SHORT WAVELENGTH VISIBLE LIGHT-EMITTING TOOTHBRUSH WITH AN ELECTRONIC SIGNAL INTERLOCK CONTROL

摘要

A short wavelength visible light-emitting toothbrush with an electronic interlock control device preventing operation when the toothbrush is removed from the user's mouth. The electronic interlock control over operation is necessary to prevent accidental eye exposure to the high intensity light source with a wavelength in the range of 400 nm to 500 nm. The light-emitting toothbrush activates upon entering the user's mouth but deactivates immediately when removed, thus protecting the user's eyes from direct exposure to the high power light source contained in the brush head.

主权项

1. A toothbrush having a light source comprising:
a brush including a battery, a source of light with a wavelength in the range of about 400 nm to about 500 nm, electronics coupled to the battery and source of light to supply electricity from the battery to the source at current and voltage that causes the source to emit light, the brush including a handle and a distal end; the distal end including bristles mounted on the distal end and the source of light; at least a portion of the handle and at least a portion of the distal end being equipped with a sensor to determine whenever the distal end is outside the environment of the mouth and permits activation of the source of light only when the source of light is inside the mouth of the user, the sensor selected from the group consisting of: a capacitive sensor which detects current flowing through the body of a user when the brush head or bristles are in contact with the mouth and the handle is in contact with the hand; a capacitive displacement sensor that senses change of position of any conductive target such as the human body; an inductive sensor that uses an inductance loop to measure the proximity of conductors such as the human body; a passive thermal infrared that detects the warmth of the human mouth; a photoelectric sensor that detects reflected IR light emitted and absorbed by the sensor itself; a light sensor that is triggered by darkness inside the mouth; a light sensor that detects the reflection of light from a second light source on the brush when the brush is activated; an ultrasonic and active sonar sensors that uses echo location to detect the confines of the mouth; a magnetic detector that detects the proximity of metals such as the hemoglobin present in blood; a pressure sensor under the brush head that detects movement and pressure of the brush head being pressed against the teeth; a pressure sensor in the neck that detects torque and tension in the neck of the brush due to brushing action; a moisture sensor to detect a highly moist environment such as the mouth; and a combination of two or more of these sensor types; a fingerprint sensor mounted on the handle to verify if the user is authorized; and an alarm adapted to warn the user of the power status of the source of light.