US5378153A — High performance acoustical cleaning apparatus fo…

Claim 1

Independent Claim 98 words

A dental hygiene device for cleaning teeth and interdental and gingival areas, comprising: a body member which includes an arm mounted for movement; a set of bristles having free end tips, the set of bristles being located in the vicinity of one end of the arm; and means in the body member for moving the arm and hence the set of bristles such that the tips of the bristles move at a velocity greater than approximately 1.5 meters per second, which is sufficient to produce a cleansing action with a dentifrice fluid beyond the tips of the bristles.

Claim 2

Dependent Claim 98 words

A dental hygiene device for cleaning teeth and interdental and gingival areas, comprising: a body member which includes an arm mounted for movement; a set of bristles having free end tips, the set of bristles being located in the vicinity of one end of the arm; and means in the body member for moving the arm and hence the set of bristles such that the tips of the bristles move at a velocity greater than approximately 1.5 meters per second, which is sufficient to produce a cleansing action with a dentifrice fluid beyond the tips of the bristles.

Claim 3

Dependent Claim 19 words

An apparatus of claim 1, wherein the velocity of the bristle tips is at least 2.0 meters per second.

Claim 4

Dependent Claim 27 words

An apparatus of claim 1, wherein the cleansing action reaches the interdental and gingival areas without the tips of the bristles being in the immediate vicinity thereof.

Claim 5

Dependent Claim 42 words

An apparatus of claim 1, wherein the frequency of movement of the tips of the bristles is between 40 Hz and 500 Hz, and wherein the amplitude of movement of the bristles is within the range of 0.5 mm to 6 mm.

Claim 6

Dependent Claim 17 words

An apparatus of claim 4, wherein the frequency is less than the resonant frequency of the bristles.

Claim 7

Dependent Claim 34 words

An apparatus of claim 1, wherein shear stress on dental plaque created by action of the apparatus is greater than 50 Pa at a distance of 2 mm from the tips of the bristles.

Claim 8

Dependent Claim 20 words

An apparatus of claim 1, wherein the movement of the bristles produces an acoustic pressure of at least 1.5 kPa.

Claim 9

Dependent Claim 27 words

An apparatus of claim 1, wherein the bristles extend substantially perpendicularly relative to the arm and wherein the tips of the bristles move in a single plane.

Claim 10

Dependent Claim 15 words

An apparatus of claim 1, wherein the set of bristles rotate through a preselected arc.

Claim 11

Dependent Claim 31 words

An apparatus of claim 1, wherein the tips of the bristles re scalloped with each scalloped portion being in the range of 5-8 mm long, with a depth of 1.5-3 mm.

Claim 12

Independent Claim 96 words

A method for cleaning teeth and interdental and gingival areas, using a toothbrush apparatus having a moving arm with a set of bristles at one end thereof, comprising the steps of: providing dental fluid in the vicinity of the teeth and interdental and gingival areas to be cleaned; and moving the arm and hence the bristles such that the tips of the bristles move through the dental fluid at a velocity greater than approximately 1.5 meters per second, thereby producing a cleansing effect, through corresponding movement of the dental fluid, beyond the tips of the bristles.

Claim 13

Independent Claim 96 words

A method for cleaning teeth and interdental and gingival areas, using a toothbrush apparatus having a moving arm with a set of bristles at one end thereof, comprising the steps of: providing dental fluid in the vicinity of the teeth and interdental and gingival areas to be cleaned; and moving the arm and hence the bristles such that the tips of the bristles move through the dental fluid at a velocity greater than approximately 1.5 meters per second, thereby producing a cleansing effect, through corresponding movement of the dental fluid, beyond the tips of the bristles.

Claim 14

Dependent Claim 19 words

A method of claim 11, wherein the velocity of the bristle tips is greater than 2.0 meters per second.

Claim 15

Dependent Claim 27 words

A method of claim 11, wherein the cleansing effect reaches the interdental and gingival areas without the tips of the bristles being in the immediate vicinity thereof.

Claim 16

Dependent Claim 39 words

A method of claim 11, wherein the frequency of movement of the tips of the bristles is between 40 Hz and 500 Hz and wherein the amplitude of movement is within the range of 0.5 mm to 6 mm.

Claim 17

Dependent Claim 17 words

A method of claim 14, wherein the frequency is less than the resonant frequency of the bristles.

Claim 18

Dependent Claim 19 words

A method of claim 11, wherein movement of the bristles produces an acoustic pressure of at least 1.5 kPa.

Claim 19

Dependent Claim 41 words

A method of claim 11, whereon the motion of said bristles is in a single plane, such that when the bristles are positioned horizontally against the tooth, the tips of the bristles move vertically toward and away from the gum line.

Claim 20

Dependent Claim 15 words

A method of claim 11, wherein the set of bristles rotates through a preselected arc.

Claim 21

Dependent Claim 12 words

A method of claim 11, wherein the dental fluid contains abrasive particles.

Claim 22

Dependent Claim 12 words

A method of claim 11, wherein the dental fluid contains oxygen-releasing agents.

Claim 23

Dependent Claim 13 words

A method of claim 11, wherein the dental fluid contains an anti-bacterial agent.

Claim 24

Dependent Claim 194 words

A dental hygiene device for cleaning teeth and interdental and gingival areas, comprising: a body member which includes an arm mounted for movement; a set of bristles having free end tips, the set of bristles being located in the vicinity of one end of the arm; and means in the body member for moving the arm and hence the set of bristles such that the tips of the bristles move at a sufficient velocity to create an alternating pressure field in a dental fluid sufficient that the dental fluid flows in alternate opposing directions at approximately the speed of the bristles, wherein the frequency of movement of the tips of the bristles is between 40 Hz and 500 Hz, wherein the amplitude of movement of the bristles is within the range of 0.5 mm to 6 mm, and wherein the movement of the bristles produces an acoustic pressure of at least 1.5 kPa the dental fluid being in contact with the teeth and the interdental and gingival areas, the alternating pressure field being sufficient to significantly damage dental plaque in the interdental and gingival areas without physical contact between the bristles and the plaque.

Claim 25

Dependent Claim 194 words

A dental hygiene device for cleaning teeth and interdental and gingival areas, comprising: a body member which includes an arm mounted for movement; a set of bristles having free end tips, the set of bristles being located in the vicinity of one end of the arm; and means in the body member for moving the arm and hence the set of bristles such that the tips of the bristles move at a sufficient velocity to create an alternating pressure field in a dental fluid sufficient that the dental fluid flows in alternate opposing directions at approximately the speed of the bristles, wherein the frequency of movement of the tips of the bristles is between 40 Hz and 500 Hz, wherein the amplitude of movement of the bristles is within the range of 0.5 mm to 6 mm, and wherein the movement of the bristles produces an acoustic pressure of at least 1.5 kPa the dental fluid being in contact with the teeth and the interdental and gingival areas, the alternating pressure field being sufficient to significantly damage dental plaque in the interdental and gingival areas without physical contact between the bristles and the plaque.

Claim 26

Dependent Claim 19 words

An apparatus of claim 22, wherein the velocity of the bristles is approximately at least 1.5 meters per second.

Claim 27

Independent Claim 167 words

A method for cleaning teeth and interdental and gingival areas, using a toothbrush apparatus having a moving arm with a set of bristles at one end thereof, comprising the steps of: providing dental fluid in the vicinity of the teeth and interdental and gingival areas to be cleaned; and moving the arm and hence the bristles such that the tips of the bristles move at a sufficient velocity to create an alternating pressure field in the dental fluid sufficient that the dental fluid flows in alternate opposing directions at approximately the speed of the bristles, wherein the frequency of movement of the tips of the bristles is between 40 Hz and 500 Hz, wherein the amplitude of movement of the bristles is within the range of 0.5 mm to 6 mm, and wherein the movement of the bristles produces an acoustic pressure of at least 1.5 kPa, the alternating pressure field being sufficient to significantly damage dental plaque without physical contact between the bristles and the plaque.

Claim 28

Independent Claim 167 words

A method for cleaning teeth and interdental and gingival areas, using a toothbrush apparatus having a moving arm with a set of bristles at one end thereof, comprising the steps of: providing dental fluid in the vicinity of the teeth and interdental and gingival areas to be cleaned; and moving the arm and hence the bristles such that the tips of the bristles move at a sufficient velocity to create an alternating pressure field in the dental fluid sufficient that the dental fluid flows in alternate opposing directions at approximately the speed of the bristles, wherein the frequency of movement of the tips of the bristles is between 40 Hz and 500 Hz, wherein the amplitude of movement of the bristles is within the range of 0.5 mm to 6 mm, and wherein the movement of the bristles produces an acoustic pressure of at least 1.5 kPa, the alternating pressure field being sufficient to significantly damage dental plaque without physical contact between the bristles and the plaque.

Claim 29

Dependent Claim 20 words

A method of claim 24, wherein the dental fluid contains abrasive particles, which increases the damage to the dental plaque.

Claim 30

Dependent Claim 12 words

A method of claim 24, wherein the dental fluid contains oxygen-releasing agents.

Claim 31

Dependent Claim 13 words

A method of claim 24, wherein the dental fluid contains an anti-bacterial agent.

Claim 32

Dependent Claim 144 words

A dental hygiene device for cleaning teeth and interdental and gingival areas, comprising: a body member which includes an arm mounted for movement; a set of bristles having free end tips, the set of bristles being located in the vicinity of one end of the arm; and means in the body member for moving the arm and hence the set of bristles such that the tips of the bristles move at a frequency between 40 Hz and 500 Hz, and wherein the amplitude of movement of the bristles is within a range of 0.5 mm to 6 mm, wherein the velocity of the tips of the bristles is sufficient to produce a shear stress, approximately at least 50 Pa, on bacteria on the teeth in the interdental and gingival areas sufficient to dislodge said bacteria without physical contact between the bristles and the bacteria.

Claim 33

Dependent Claim 144 words

A dental hygiene device for cleaning teeth and interdental and gingival areas, comprising: a body member which includes an arm mounted for movement; a set of bristles having free end tips, the set of bristles being located in the vicinity of one end of the arm; and means in the body member for moving the arm and hence the set of bristles such that the tips of the bristles move at a frequency between 40 Hz and 500 Hz, and wherein the amplitude of movement of the bristles is within a range of 0.5 mm to 6 mm, wherein the velocity of the tips of the bristles is sufficient to produce a shear stress, approximately at least 50 Pa, on bacteria on the teeth in the interdental and gingival areas sufficient to dislodge said bacteria without physical contact between the bristles and the bacteria.

Claim 34

Dependent Claim 19 words

An apparatus of claim 28, wherein the velocity of the bristles is approximately at least 1.5 meters per second.

Claim 35

Independent Claim 137 words

A method for cleaning teeth and interdental and gingival areas, using a toothbrush apparatus having a moving arm with a set of bristles at one end thereof, comprising the steps of: providing dental fluid in the vicinity of the teeth and interdental and gingival areas to be cleaned; and moving the arm and hence the bristles such that the tips of the bristles move at a frequency between 40 Hz and 500 Hz, and wherein the amplitude of movement of the bristles is within the range of 0.5 mm to 6 mm, wherein the velocity of the tips of the bristles is sufficient to produce shear stress, approximately at least 50 Pa, on bacteria on the teeth in the interdental and gingival areas sufficient to dislodge said bacteria without physical contact between the bristles and the bacteria.

Claim 36

Independent Claim 137 words

A method for cleaning teeth and interdental and gingival areas, using a toothbrush apparatus having a moving arm with a set of bristles at one end thereof, comprising the steps of: providing dental fluid in the vicinity of the teeth and interdental and gingival areas to be cleaned; and moving the arm and hence the bristles such that the tips of the bristles move at a frequency between 40 Hz and 500 Hz, and wherein the amplitude of movement of the bristles is within the range of 0.5 mm to 6 mm, wherein the velocity of the tips of the bristles is sufficient to produce shear stress, approximately at least 50 Pa, on bacteria on the teeth in the interdental and gingival areas sufficient to dislodge said bacteria without physical contact between the bristles and the bacteria.

Claim 37

Dependent Claim 19 words

A method of claim 30, wherein the dental fluid contains abrasive particles, which increases the dislodgement of the bacteria.

Claim 38

Dependent Claim 12 words

A method of claim 30, wherein the dental fluid contains oxygen-releasing agents.

Claim 39

Dependent Claim 13 words

A method of claim 30, wherein the dental fluid contains an anti-bacterial agent.

Claim 40

Dependent Claim 176 words

A dental hygiene device for cleaning teeth and interdental and gingival areas, comprising: a body member which includes an arm mounted for movement; a set of bristles having free end tips, the set of bristles being located in the vicinity of one end of the arm; and means in the body member for moving the arm and hence the set of bristles such that the tips of the bristles move at a frequency between 40 Hz and 500 Hz, and wherein the amplitude of movement of the bristles is within the range of 0.5 mm to 6 mm, wherein the velocity of the tips of the bristles is greater than approximately 1.5 meters per second, such that dental fluid which is in contact with the teeth becomes supersaturated with oxygen, wherein the oxygen present in the dental fluid around the tips of the bristles is significantly above the normal oxygen tension level, resulting in a substantial reduction in the level of anaerobic bacteria in the gingival regions as the supersaturated dental fluid moves into those regions.

Claim 41

Dependent Claim 176 words

A dental hygiene device for cleaning teeth and interdental and gingival areas, comprising: a body member which includes an arm mounted for movement; a set of bristles having free end tips, the set of bristles being located in the vicinity of one end of the arm; and means in the body member for moving the arm and hence the set of bristles such that the tips of the bristles move at a frequency between 40 Hz and 500 Hz, and wherein the amplitude of movement of the bristles is within the range of 0.5 mm to 6 mm, wherein the velocity of the tips of the bristles is greater than approximately 1.5 meters per second, such that dental fluid which is in contact with the teeth becomes supersaturated with oxygen, wherein the oxygen present in the dental fluid around the tips of the bristles is significantly above the normal oxygen tension level, resulting in a substantial reduction in the level of anaerobic bacteria in the gingival regions as the supersaturated dental fluid moves into those regions.

Claim 42

Independent Claim 164 words

A method for cleaning teeth and interdental and gingival areas, using a toothbrush apparatus having a moving arm with a set of bristles at one end thereof, comprising the steps of: providing dental fluid in the vicinity of the teeth and interdental and gingival areas to be cleaned; and moving the arm and hence the bristles such that the tips of the bristles move at a frequency between 40 Hz and 500 Hz, and wherein the amplitude of movement of the bristles is within the range of 0.5 mm to 6 mm, wherein the velocity of the tips of the bristles is greater than approximately 1.5 meters per second, such that the dental fluid becomes supersaturated with oxygen, wherein the oxygen present in the dental fluid around the tips of the bristles is significantly above the normal oxygen tension level, resulting in a substantial reduction in the level of anaerobic bacteria in the gingival regions as the supersaturated dental fluid moves into those regions.

Claim 43

Independent Claim 164 words

A method for cleaning teeth and interdental and gingival areas, using a toothbrush apparatus having a moving arm with a set of bristles at one end thereof, comprising the steps of: providing dental fluid in the vicinity of the teeth and interdental and gingival areas to be cleaned; and moving the arm and hence the bristles such that the tips of the bristles move at a frequency between 40 Hz and 500 Hz, and wherein the amplitude of movement of the bristles is within the range of 0.5 mm to 6 mm, wherein the velocity of the tips of the bristles is greater than approximately 1.5 meters per second, such that the dental fluid becomes supersaturated with oxygen, wherein the oxygen present in the dental fluid around the tips of the bristles is significantly above the normal oxygen tension level, resulting in a substantial reduction in the level of anaerobic bacteria in the gingival regions as the supersaturated dental fluid moves into those regions.

Annuity Stage	Window Opens	Payment Deadline	Surcharge Period Until	Estimated Fee	Status
3.5 Years (Year 4)	1998-01-02	1998-07-04	1999-01-03	$2000.00	Window Closed / Lapsed
7.5 Years (Year 8)	2002-01-02	2002-07-04	2003-01-03	$3760.00	Window Closed / Lapsed
11.5 Years (Year 12)	2006-01-02	2006-07-04	2007-01-03	$7700.00	Window Closed / Lapsed

High performance acoustical cleaning apparatus for teeth

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