阅读说明：本技术 冲洗器流体连通 (Flusher fluid communication ) 是由 J·格罗夫斯 A·G·齐尔斯特拉 N·法雷尔 K·库伊杰克 J·M·伯尔斯玛 D·格贝雷斯 于 2020-01-14 设计创作，主要内容包括：一种具有冲洗器末端的口腔冲洗器,末端包括手柄部分、末端部分、与绳流体连通并且被布置在手柄部分和末端部分内的通道、以及位于手柄部分上或手柄部分内的致动器,致动器被布置为至少部分地改变通过通道的流体的流。口腔冲洗器还包括：壳体,壳体具有储液器,储液器与泵子组件流体连通；传感器,被布置为测量泵子组件内的第一压力或第一电负载；以及控制单元,被布置为控制被提供给泵子组件的操作电流,其中致动器的操作产生由传感器测量的第二压力或电负载,并且控制单元被布置为响应该变化而改变电机的操作电流。(An oral irrigator having an irrigator tip, the tip comprising a handle portion, a tip portion, a channel in fluid communication with a cord and arranged within the handle portion and the tip portion, and an actuator on or within the handle portion, the actuator being arranged to at least partially vary the flow of fluid through the channel. The oral irrigator further comprises: a housing having a reservoir in fluid communication with the pump sub-assembly; a sensor arranged to measure a first pressure or a first electrical load within the pump sub-assembly; and a control unit arranged to control the operating current provided to the pump sub-assembly, wherein operation of the actuator produces the second pressure or electrical load measured by the sensor, and the control unit is arranged to vary the operating current of the motor in response to the variation.)

1. An oral irrigator (100, 200, 300, 400, 500) comprising:

a flusher tip (103, 203, 303, 403, 503) comprising:

a handle portion (106, 206, 306, 406, 506);

an end portion (109, 209, 309, 409, 509);

a channel (112, 212, 312, 412, 512) in fluid communication with the handle portion and the tip portion; and

an actuator (115, 215, 315, 415, 515) located on or within the handle portion, the actuator being arranged to at least partially alter a flow (142, 242, 342, 442, 542) of a fluid (145, 245, 345, 445, 545) through the channel;

a housing (148, 248, 348, 448, 548) having a reservoir (151, 251, 351, 451, 551) containing the fluid, the reservoir being in fluid communication with a pump subassembly (154, 254, 354, 454, 554);

a pressure sensor (157, 257) arranged to measure a first pressure (160A, 260A); and the number of the first and second groups,

a control unit (172, 272, 372, 472, 572) arranged to control an operating current (181, 281, 381, 481, 581) provided to the pump sub-assembly or arranged to control a control valve (593) of the pump sub-assembly; and

a tether (184, 284, 384, 484, 584) having a first end (187, 287, 387, 487, 587) and a second end (190, 290, 390, 490, 590), the first end of the tether being in fluid communication with the flusher end and the second end of the tether being in fluid communication with the pump sub-assembly;

wherein operation of the actuator generates a second pressure (160B, 260B) measured by the sensor, and the control unit is arranged to change the operating current or at least partly the flow via the control valve in response to a change from the first pressure to the second pressure.

2. The oral irrigator of claim 1, wherein the actuator includes a mechanical valve assembly (118, 218, 318, 418, 518) further comprising:

a depressible piston valve (121, 221, 321, 421, 521) having a first flow path (130A, 230A, 330A, 430A, 530A) through the piston valve, the first flow path being substantially parallel to the channel; and

a biasing element (133, 233, 333, 433, 533) arranged to exert a first force (F1) on the piston valve in a first direction (DR 1);

wherein in a first state (139A, 239A, 339A, 439A, 539A) the first force on the piston valve creates fluid communication through the first flow path.

3. The oral irrigator of claim 2, wherein a second force (F2) applied by a user (U) on the piston valve in a second direction (DR2) opposite the first direction disengages the first flow path from fluid communication with the channel to at least partially block the flow of the fluid through the channel, leaving the mechanical valve assembly in a closed state (139B, 239C, 339B, 439C, 539B).

4. The oral irrigator of claim 3, wherein the first pressure corresponds to the first state of the mechanical valve assembly and the second pressure corresponds to the closed state of the mechanical valve assembly.

5. The oral irrigator of claim 1, wherein the actuator includes a mechanical valve assembly (118, 218, 318, 418, 518) further comprising:

a depressible piston valve (121, 221, 321, 421, 521) having a first flow path (130A, 230A, 330A, 430A, 530A) and a second flow path (130B, 230B, 330B, 430B, 530B) through the piston valve, the first and second flow paths being substantially parallel to the channel; and

a biasing element (133, 233, 333, 433, 533) arranged to exert a first force (F1) on the piston valve in a first direction (DR 1);

wherein the first flow path has a first diameter (D1) and the second flow path has a second diameter (D2), wherein the first diameter is less than the second diameter; and in the first state, the first force on the piston valve creates fluid communication through the first flow path.

6. The oral irrigator of claim 5, wherein a second force (F2) exerted by a user (U) on the piston valve in a second direction (DR2) opposite the first direction disengages the first flow path from fluid communication with the passage and transitions the second flow path into fluid communication with the passage to place the mechanical valve assembly in a second state (239B, 439B); and wherein a third force (F3) exerted by the user on the piston valve in the second direction opposite the first direction disengages the second flow path from fluid communication with the passage to at least partially block the flow of the fluid through the passage, placing the mechanical valve assembly in a closed state (239C, 439C).

7. The oral irrigator of claim 6, wherein the first pressure (160A, 260A) corresponds to the first state (139A, 239A) of the mechanical valve assembly (118, 218), the second pressure (160B, 260B) corresponds to the second state (139B, 239B) of the mechanical valve assembly, and a third pressure (160C, 260C) corresponds to the closed state (239C) of the mechanical valve assembly.

8. The oral irrigator of claim 7, wherein the control unit is arranged to detect a change in cadence from the first state to the second state or a change in cadence from the second state to the third state, and in response to the detection of the cadence, the control unit is arranged to vary the operating current or at least partially vary the flow via the control valve in response to a change from the first pressure to the second pressure.

9. The oral irrigator of claim 5, wherein the compressible piston valve is a unitary structure, the piston valve further comprising:

a first piston valve portion (124A, 224A, 324A, 424A, 524A) arranged in connection with the second flow path;

a second portion (224B, 424B) between the second flow path and the first flow path;

a third portion (224C, 424C) connected with the first flow path and arranged to contact the biasing element;

a first connector (227A, 427A) disposed within the first flow path, the first connector connecting the second portion and the third portion; and

a second connector (227B, 427B) disposed in the second flow path, the second connector connecting the first portion and the second portion.

10. An oral irrigator (100, 200, 300, 400, 500) comprising:

a flusher tip (103, 203, 303, 403, 503) comprising:

a handle portion (106, 206, 306, 406, 506);

an end portion (109, 209, 309, 409, 509);

a channel (112, 212, 312, 412, 512) in fluid communication with the handle portion and the tip portion; and

an actuator (112, 212, 312, 412, 512) located on or within the handle portion, the actuator being arranged to at least partially alter a flow (142, 242, 342, 442, 542) of a fluid (145, 245, 345, 445, 545) through the channel;

a housing (148, 248, 348, 448, 548) having a reservoir (151, 251, 351, 451, 551) containing the fluid, the reservoir being in fluid communication with a pump subassembly (154, 254, 354, 454, 554);

a load sensor (357, 457) arranged to measure a first electrical load (360A, 460A) or a first motor speed (361A, 461B) within a motor (163, 263, 363, 463, 563) of the pump sub-assembly; and

a control unit (172, 272, 372, 472, 572) arranged to control an operating current (181, 281, 381, 481, 581) provided to the motor, or arranged to control a control valve (593) of the pump sub-assembly; and

a tether (184, 284, 384, 484, 584) having a first end (187, 287, 387, 487, 587) and a second end (190, 290, 390, 490, 590), the first end of the tether being in fluid communication with the flusher end and the second end of the tether being in fluid communication with the pump sub-assembly;

wherein operation of the actuator produces a second electrical load (360B, 460B) or a second motor speed (361B, 461B) within the motor of the pump sub-assembly, the second electrical load or the second motor speed being measured by the load sensor, and the control unit is arranged to vary the operating current or at least partially vary the flow via the control valve in response to a change from the first electrical load to the second electrical load.

11. The oral irrigator of claim 10, wherein the actuator includes a mechanical valve assembly (118, 218, 318, 418, 518) further comprising:

a depressible piston valve (121, 221, 321, 421, 521) having a first flow path (130A, 230A, 330A, 430A, 530A) through the piston valve, the first flow path being substantially parallel to the channel; and

a biasing element (133, 233, 333, 433, 533) arranged to exert a first force (F1) on the piston valve in a first direction (DR 1);

wherein in a first state (139A, 239A, 339A, 439A, 539A) the first force on the piston valve creates fluid communication through the first flow path.

12. The oral irrigator of claim 11, wherein a second force (F2) applied by a user (U) on the piston valve in a second direction (DR2) opposite the first direction disengages the first flow path from fluid communication with the channel to at least partially block the flow of the fluid through the channel, leaving the mechanical valve assembly in a closed state (139B, 239C, 339B, 439C, 539B).

13. The oral irrigator of claim 12, wherein the first electrical load corresponds to the first state of the mechanical valve assembly and the second electrical load corresponds to the closed state of the mechanical valve assembly.

14. An oral irrigator (100, 200, 300, 400, 500) comprising:

a flusher tip (103, 203, 303, 403, 503) comprising:

a handle portion (106, 206, 306, 406, 506);

an end portion (109, 209, 309, 409, 509);

a channel (112, 212, 312, 412, 512) in fluid communication with the handle portion and the tip portion; and

an actuator (115, 215, 315, 415, 515) arranged to at least partially vary a flow (142, 242, 342, 442, 542) of a fluid (145, 245, 345, 445, 545) through the channel;

a reservoir (151, 251, 351, 451, 551) containing the fluid, the reservoir being in fluid communication with a pump subassembly (154, 254, 354, 454, 554);

a sensor (157, 257) arranged to detect a change in the flow; and

a control unit (172, 272, 372, 472, 572) arranged to control the flow within the oral irrigator in response to the measured flow.

15. The oral irrigator of claim 14, wherein the change in flow is caused by: a change in pressure (160A, 260A), a change in electrical load (360A, 460A) on a motor (163, 263, 363, 463, 563), or a change in speed (161A, 261A, 361A, 461A) of the motor.

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates directly to systems and methods for irrigator control for oral care implements, and in particular, for control of oral care implements via fluid communication.

Background

Many consumers find water flossing via a flusher to be more convenient and enjoyable than using string flosses. Due to the enhanced user experience, users who often use these devices to clean teeth more frequently than users who do not use these devices, leading to improved overall oral hygiene. Accordingly, the oral care implement industry is constantly producing more and more irrigators to meet the growing demand.

Most commercially available irrigators include a housing having a liquid-filled reservoir, a motor, and a pump configured to create positive pressure to move the liquid within the reservoir to the end of an external irrigator. The flusher tip generally comprises a handle portion, an end portion, and a cord arranged to conduct pressurized fluid from a reservoir to the handle portion, the end portion of the flusher tip, and subsequently into the mouth of a user.

Currently, most irrigators are controlled via a control unit having at least one button, knob and/or switch. The control unit is typically positioned within the housing of the device. This arrangement can detract from the user experience as the user requires two hands to operate the device (i.e., a first hand is required to hold the flusher tip within their mouth and a second hand is required to operate the controls on the housing).

Disclosure of Invention

There is a continuing need for a flusher that allows a user to directly control the operating state of the pump from the handle.

The present disclosure relates to an inventive oral irrigator having an irrigator tip comprising a handle portion, a tip portion, a channel in fluid communication with a cord (tether) and arranged within the handle portion and the tip portion, and an actuator located on or within the handle portion, the actuator being arranged to at least partially alter the flow of fluid through the channel. The oral irrigator further includes a housing having a reservoir in fluid communication with the pump subassembly, a sensor arranged to measure a first pressure within the pump subassembly, and a control unit arranged to control an operating current provided to the pump subassembly, wherein operation of the actuator produces a second pressure measurable by the sensor, and the control unit is arranged to vary the operating current in response to a change from the first pressure to the second pressure.

In general, in one aspect, there is provided an oral irrigator comprising an irrigator tip having a handle portion, an end portion, a channel in fluid communication with the handle portion and the end portion, and an actuator on or within the handle portion, the actuator being arranged to at least partially vary the flow of fluid through the channel; having a reservoir containing a fluid, the reservoir being in fluid communication with the pump sub-assembly, a pressure sensor being arranged to measure a first pressure, a control unit being arranged to control an operating current provided to the pump sub-assembly or being arranged to control a control valve of the pump sub-assembly and a cord having a first end and a second end, the first end of the cord being in fluid communication with the flusher tip and the second end of the cord being in fluid communication with the pump sub-assembly. Operation of the actuator generates a second pressure measured by the sensor, and the control unit is arranged to vary the operating current or at least partially vary the flow through the control valve in response to a change from the first pressure to the second pressure.

In another aspect, the actuator comprises a mechanical valve assembly further comprising a depressible piston valve having a first flow path therethrough, the first flow path being substantially parallel to the passage, the biasing element being arranged to exert the first force on the piston valve in the first direction.

In another aspect, a second force applied by a user on the piston valve in a second direction opposite the first direction disengages the first flow path from fluid communication with the passage to at least partially block the flow of fluid through the passage, leaving the mechanical valve assembly in a closed state.

In another aspect, the first pressure corresponds to a first state of the mechanical valve assembly and the second pressure corresponds to a closed state of the mechanical valve assembly.

In another aspect, the mechanical valve assembly includes a depressible piston valve having a first flow path and a second flow path, the first flow path and the second flow path passing through the piston valve, the first flow path and the second flow path being substantially parallel to the passage, the biasing element being arranged to exert the first force on the piston valve in the first direction. The first flow path has a first diameter and the second flow path has a second diameter, wherein the first diameter is smaller than the second diameter; and in the first state, a first force on the piston valve creates fluid communication through the first flow path.

In another aspect, a second force applied by a user to the piston valve in a second direction opposite the first direction disengages the first flow path from fluid communication with the channel and transitions the second flow path into fluid communication with the channel, placing the mechanical valve assembly in a second state.

In another aspect, a third force exerted by a user on the piston valve in a second direction opposite the first direction disengages the second flow path from fluid communication with the passage to at least partially block the flow of fluid through the passage, leaving the mechanical valve assembly in a closed state.

In another aspect, the first pressure corresponds to a first state of the mechanical valve assembly, the second pressure corresponds to a second state of the mechanical valve assembly, and the third pressure corresponds to a closed state of the mechanical valve assembly.

In another aspect, the control unit is arranged to detect a change in cadence from the first state to the second state or a change in cadence from the second state to the third state, and in response to the detection of the cadence, the control unit is arranged to change the operating current or at least partially change the flow through the control valve in response to a change from the first pressure to the second pressure.

In another aspect, the compressible piston valve is a unitary structure, the piston valve further comprising a first piston valve portion, a second portion, a third portion, a first connector, and a second connector. The first piston valve portion is arranged to contact a user and is connected with the second flow path; the second portion is between the second flow path and the first flow path; a third portion connects the first flow channel and is arranged to contact the biasing element; a first connector disposed within the first flow passage, the first connector connecting the second portion and the third portion; a second connector is disposed within the second flow path, the second connector connecting the first portion and the second portion.

In another aspect, an oral irrigator is provided that includes an irrigator tip including a handle portion, an end portion, a channel portion in fluid communication with a cord and disposed in the handle portion and the end portion, and an actuator located on or within the handle portion, the actuator being arranged to at least partially alter the flow of fluid through the channel. The oral irrigator further comprises: a housing having a reservoir containing a fluid, the reservoir in fluid communication with the pump sub-assembly; a load sensor arranged to measure a first electrical load of the motor within the pump sub-assembly; and a control unit arranged to control an operating current provided to the motor; and a tether having a first end and a second end, the first end of the tether in fluid communication with the flusher tip, the second end of the tether in fluid communication with the pump subassembly. Operation of the actuator generates a second electrical load within the motor of the pump sub-assembly, measured by the load sensor, and the control unit is arranged to vary the operating current in response to a change from the first electrical load to the second electrical load.

In another aspect, the actuator includes a mechanical valve assembly further including a depressible piston valve having a first flow path therethrough, the first flow path being substantially parallel to the passage, and a biasing element arranged to exert a first force on the piston valve in a first direction. In the first state, a first force of the piston valve creates fluid communication through the first flow path.

In another aspect, a second force applied by a user to the piston valve in a second direction opposite the first direction disengages the first flow path from fluid communication with the passage to at least partially block the flow of fluid through the passage, leaving the mechanical valve assembly in a closed state.

In another aspect, the first electrical load corresponds to a first state of the mechanical valve assembly and the second electrical load corresponds to a closed state of the mechanical valve assembly.

In another aspect, an oral irrigator is provided that includes an irrigator tip having a handle portion, a tip portion and a channel in fluid communication with the handle portion and the tip portion. The oral irrigator also includes an actuator arranged to at least partially vary the flow of fluid through the channel, a reservoir containing fluid in fluid communication with the pump sub-assembly, a sensor arranged to detect a change in flow, and a control unit arranged to control the flow within the oral irrigator in response to the measured flow.

In another aspect, the change in flow is caused by a change in pressure, a change in load on the motor, or a change in speed of the motor.

These and other aspects of the various embodiments will be apparent from and elucidated with reference to the embodiment(s) described hereinafter.

Drawings

In the drawings, like reference numerals generally refer to like parts throughout the different views. Furthermore, the drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead generally being placed upon illustrating the principles of various embodiments.

Fig. 1 is a mouth irrigator according to the prior art.

Fig. 2 is an example embodiment of an oral irrigator with a pressure sensor according to the present disclosure.

Fig. 3 is another example embodiment of an oral irrigator having a pressure sensor according to the present disclosure.

Fig. 4A is a detailed view of the actuator and mechanical valve assembly enclosed in section 4A shown in fig. 2 in a first state.

Fig. 4B is a detailed view of the actuator and mechanical valve assembly enclosed in section 4B shown in fig. 3 in the first state.

Fig. 4C is a detailed view of the actuator and mechanical valve assembly enclosed in section 4A shown in fig. 2 in the closed state.

Fig. 4D is a detailed view of the actuator and mechanical valve assembly enclosed in section 4B shown in fig. 3 in a second state.

Fig. 5 is an example embodiment of an oral irrigator according to the present disclosure having a load sensor.

Fig. 6 is another example embodiment of an oral irrigator according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 7A is a detailed view of the actuator and mechanical valve assembly enclosed in section 7A shown in FIG. 5.

FIG. 7B is a detailed view of the actuator and mechanical valve assembly enclosed in section 7B shown in FIG. 6.

Fig. 7C is a detailed view of the actuator and mechanical valve assembly enclosed in section 7A shown in fig. 5 in the closed state.

Fig. 7D is a detailed view of the actuator and mechanical valve assembly enclosed in section 7B shown in fig. 6 in a second state.

Fig. 8 is an example embodiment of an oral irrigator according to the present disclosure having a control valve.

Detailed Description

The present disclosure describes various embodiments of an oral irrigator having an irrigator tip, the tip comprising a handle portion, a tip portion, a channel in fluid communication with a cord and disposed within the handle portion and the tip portion, and an actuator on or within the handle portion arranged to at least partially alter a flow of fluid through the channel. The oral irrigator also includes a housing having a reservoir in fluid communication with the pump subassembly, a sensor arranged to measure a first pressure or electrical load within the pump subassembly, and a control unit arranged to control an operating current provided to the pump subassembly, wherein operation of the actuator generates a second pressure, the second pressure is measured by the sensor, and the control unit is arranged to vary the operating current in response to a change from the first pressure to the second pressure.

Referring to the drawings, FIG. 1 shows an oral irrigator 10 according to the prior art. The oral irrigator 10 includes an irrigator tip 13 having a handle portion 16 and a tip portion 19. The irrigator tip 13 also includes a channel 22 extending within and through both the tip portion 13 and the handle portion 16. Channel 22 provides a flow 42 of fluid 45 to user U. The oral irrigator 10 also includes a housing 48 containing a reservoir 51, a pump subassembly 54, a control unit 72 and a power supply 78. The pump sub-assembly 54 also includes a motor 63, a crank 66(crank), and a piston 69. The control unit 72 comprises a control 75. The controls 75 are utilized to transition the oral irrigator 10 to an on or off state and/or to change the settings or modes of the motor 63 to change the flow 42 of liquid 45 provided to the user U. The cord 84 has a first end 87 and a second end 90. The first end 87 is fixedly secured to the flusher tip 13 and the second end 90 is fixedly secured to the pump subassembly 54.

The arrangement of controls 75 on the control unit 72 requires the use of two hands to operate the oral irrigator 10. A first hand is required to hold the flusher tip 13 to the user's mouth and a second hand is required to activate the control 75.

The oral irrigators of the various illustrative embodiments referred to in figures 2-10 solve one or more of the problems associated with the arrangement of figure 1 described previously. Fig. 2 shows the oral irrigator 100. The oral irrigator 100 includes an irrigator tip 103 having a handle portion 106 and a tip portion 109. The irrigator tip 103 further includes a channel 112 extending within and through both the tip portion 103 and the handle portion 106. During use, the user U grasps the handle portion 106 of the irrigator tip 103 and positions the tip portion 109 within the user's mouth such that when the oral irrigator 100 is turned on, fluid (e.g., fluid 145 as discussed below) is directed to the teeth of the user U to remove plaque and debris from the oral teeth and/or gums.

The irrigator tip 103 also includes an actuator 115 positioned within a partial through-bore in the handle portion 106 and is disposed through the passage 112. The actuator 115 also includes a mechanical valve assembly 118. The mechanical valve assembly 118 includes a piston valve 121 having a first piston valve portion 124A, a second piston valve portion 124B, and a first connector 127A (both shown in fig. 4A). The first connector 127A is disposed in the gap between the first piston valve portion 124A and the second piston valve portion 124B. The mechanical valve assembly 118 also includes a first flow path 130A, a biasing element 133, and a friction stop 136 (both shown in fig. 4A). When in the first state 139A (shown in fig. 4A), the biasing element 133 is arranged to engage the second piston valve portion 124B and exert a first force F1 on the second piston valve portion 124B in the first direction DR1 to place the first connector 127, and the first connector creates a gap between the first and second piston valve portions 124A, 124B that is substantially in-line with the passage 112 creating the first flow path 130A. The first connector 127A is sized such that the width or thickness of the first connector is relatively small compared to the width of the channel 112. In operation, the user U applies a second force F2 on the first piston valve portion 124A of the piston valve 121 in a second direction DR2 opposite the first direction DR 1. The second force F2 displaces the piston valve 121 against the biasing element 133 in the direction DR2 until the friction stop 136 secures the piston valve 121 in the closed state 139B (shown in fig. 4C) to reduce or completely block the flow 142 of the fluid 145. It should be appreciated that the friction stop 136 is not necessary as the biasing element may be arranged to at least partially limit the movement of the piston valve 121 in the second direction DR 2. This obstruction of the flow 142 creates a back pressure or buildup of pressure within the system that is conducted back along the flow 142 to the pump subassembly 154 as discussed below. Although the actuator 115 is shown and described in a manner similar to a piston valve, it should be understood that the actuator 115 may be any actuator or valve known in the art capable of at least partially changing the flow 142, i.e., increasing or decreasing the flow 142, such as, for example, a ball valve, a butterfly valve, a throttle valve, a diaphragm or membrane valve, a gate valve, a stop valve, a knife valve, a needle valve, a pinch valve, a plug valve, a solenoid valve, a spool valve, a check valve, and the like.

The oral irrigator 100 also includes a housing 148 containing a reservoir 151, a pump subassembly 154, a control unit 172 and a power supply 178. The reservoir 151 contains a volume of fluid 145 that is directed through the irrigator tip 103 into the mouth of the user U during operation of the oral irrigator 100. The fluid 145 may be selected, for example, from: water, a water-air mixture, an oral cleaning concentrate, a standard or preservative (alcohol-based) mouthwash, or any fluid having a sufficiently low viscosity to travel through the passage 112. The pump subassembly 154 includes a pressure sensor 157. The pressure sensor 157 is arranged to detect a first pressure 160A and a second pressure 160B. When the first flow path 130A is substantially aligned with the channel 112, the first pressure 160A is associated with the first state 139A. The second pressure 160B is associated with the closed state 139B when the first flow path 130A is not substantially aligned with the passage 112 and wherein the flow 142 of the fluid 145 through the passage 112 is partially or fully restricted. Preferably, a first pressure 160A and a second pressure 160B are measured within the pump subassembly 154; however, it should be understood that the first pressure 160A and the second pressure 160B may be measured at any point along the flow 142 spanning from the reservoir 151 to the piston valve 121. Accordingly, while the pressure sensor 157 is shown within the pump subassembly 154, it should be understood that the pressure sensor 157 may be placed at any point along the flow 142 that spans from the reservoir 151 to the piston valve 121.

The pump sub-assembly 154 further includes a motor 163, a crank 166, and a piston 169. The motor 163, crank 166, and piston 169 cooperate to create a pressurized environment that promotes flow 142 from the reservoir 151, through the cord 184, into the flusher tip 103, and into the mouth of the user U. The cord 184 is a substantially hollow, flexible tube having a first end 187 and a second end 190. The first end 187 of the cord 184 is fixedly secured to the handle portion 106 of the flusher tip 103, and the second end 190 of the cord 184 is fixedly secured to the pump sub-assembly 154. The cord 184 serves as a conduit through which the flow 142 of fluid 145 travels from the reservoir 151 to the flusher tip 103 and into the mouth of the user U for cleaning.

The control unit 172 further comprises a processor and memory arranged to execute a series of non-transitory computer readable instructions to control the operation of the motor 163. The control unit 172 receives electrical power from a power supply 178 and is arranged to control the speed and/or power of the motor 163 by adjusting the operating current 181 of the motor 163. The control unit 172 receives the first pressure 160A and the second pressure 160B from the pressure sensor 157 and adjusts the speed and/or power of the motor 163 accordingly. For example, in one exemplary embodiment, the first pressure 160A is less than the second pressure 160B. When the user U applies a second force F2 to the actuator 115 in the second direction DR2 effective to switch the mechanical valve assembly 118 from the first state 139A to the closed state 139B (shown in fig. 4C), the pressure sensor 157 relays (relays) the change from the first pressure 160A associated with the first state 139A to the second pressure 160B associated with the closed state 139B to the control unit 172 (shown in fig. 4C). In response to this change, the control unit 172 reduces the operating current 181, which in turn reduces the speed and/or power of the motor 163 according to a predefined setting or in proportion to the pressure change. This reduction in operating pressure prevents vibrations of the motor that continuously operates under the increase in pressure (i.e., second pressure 160B) and, in turn, prevents the vibrations from being conducted through cord 184 to user U, thereby enhancing the comfort and experience of the user when using the device.

It will be appreciated that the foregoing means may detect a change in pressure, i.e. a change from the first pressure 160A to the second pressure 160B is limited to a predefined threshold, e.g. a change from the first state 139A to the closed state 139B may generate a pressure difference of 500% between the first pressure 160A and the second pressure 160B, i.e. the second pressure 160B is five times the magnitude of the first pressure 160; however, the threshold may vary to any threshold sufficient to distinguish between natural fluctuations in operation of the pump subassembly 154 and pressure changes caused by changes in the state of the mechanical valve assembly 118, for example. It should also be appreciated that pressure differentials above this threshold may also be used to generate a rhythmic pressure sequence, i.e., to change the piston valve in rhythm (e.g., "double-clicking" or "triple-clicking") from the first state 139A to the closed state 139B when the user depresses the piston valve 121. Such a tempo received at the pressure sensor 157 may be transmitted to the control unit 172 and the control unit 172 will store the tempo sequence of pressures in the memory. When the control unit 172 compares the tempo pressure sequences stored in the memory and compares the received sequences with a database of stored sequences, the control unit 172 may increase or decrease the speed/power of the motor 163 in accordance with the mapped response to the matching sequences in the database.

Fig. 3 shows an oral irrigator 200. The oral irrigator 200 includes an irrigator tip 203 having a handle portion 206 and a tip portion 209. The irrigator tip 203 further comprises a channel extending within and through both the tip portion 203 and the handle portion 206. During use, the user U grasps the handle portion 206 of the irrigator tip 203 and positions the tip portion 209 within the user's mouth such that when the oral irrigator 200 is opened, fluid (e.g., fluid 245 as discussed below) is directed toward the user's U teeth to clean plaque and debris on the teeth and/or gums.

The irrigator tip 203 further includes an actuator 215 positioned within a partial bore in the handle portion 206 and disposed through the channel 212. The actuator 215 also includes a mechanical valve assembly 218. The mechanical valve assembly 218 includes a piston valve 221 having a first piston valve portion 224A, a second piston valve portion 224B, a third piston valve portion 224C, a first connector 227A, and a second connector 227B (all shown in fig. 4B). The first connector 227A is disposed in the gap between the second valve portion 224B and the third valve portion 224B. The second connector 227B is disposed in the gap between the first piston valve portion 224A and the second piston valve portion 224B. First connector 227A and second connector 227B are sized such that the width or thickness of first connector 227A and second connector 227B is relatively small compared to the width of channel 212. The mechanical valve assembly 218 also includes a first flow path 230A, a second flow path 230B, a biasing element 233, and a friction stop 236 (all shown in fig. 4B). When in the first state 239A, the biasing element 233 is arranged to engage the third piston valve portion 224C and to exert a first force F1 in the first direction DR1 on the third piston valve portion 224C to place the first connector 227, and the first connector creates a gap between the third piston valve portion 224C and the second piston valve portion 224B in line with the passage 212 creating the first flow path 230A. In operation, the user U exerts a second force F2 on the first piston valve portion 224A of the piston valve 221 in a second direction DR2 opposite the first direction DR 1. The second force F2 displaces the piston valve 221 in the direction DR2 against the biasing element 233 until the friction stop 236 secures the piston valve 221 in the second state 239B (not shown). The second state 239B (shown in fig. 4D) corresponds to substantial alignment of the second connector 227B, and the gap that the second connector creates between the first piston valve portion 224A and the second piston valve portion 224B is substantially in-line with the passage 212 that creates the second flow path 230B. In one example embodiment, the first flow path 230A has a diameter D1 and the second flow path 230B has a diameter D2, where D2 is greater than D1. It should also be understood that the first and second flow paths 230A, 230B may be arranged such that D1 is greater than D2, or D1 is equal to D2. This may be accomplished, for example, by changing the length of the first connector 227A and the second connector 227B. During subsequent use of the oral irrigator 200, the user U may apply a third force F3 in the direction DR2 on the first piston valve portion 224A of the piston valve 221 against the biasing element 233 until the friction stop 236 secures the piston valve 221 in the closed state 239C (not shown) to reduce or completely block the flow 242 of the fluid 245. It should be appreciated that the friction stop 236 is not necessary as the biasing element may be arranged to at least partially limit the movement of the piston valve 221 in the second direction DR 2. This change in flow rate and/or complete blockage of flow 242 creates a build-up of back pressure or pressure within the system that is conducted back along flow 242 to pump subassembly 254 as discussed below. Although the actuator 215 is shown and described in a manner similar to a piston valve, it should be understood that the actuator 215 may be any actuator or valve known in the art capable of at least partially changing the flow 242, i.e., increasing or decreasing the flow 242, such as, for example, a ball valve, a butterfly valve, a throttle valve, a diaphragm or membrane valve, a gate valve, a stop valve, a knife valve, a needle valve, a pinch valve, a plug valve, a solenoid valve, a spool valve, a check valve, and the like.

The oral irrigator 200 also includes a housing 248 containing a reservoir 251, a pump subassembly 254, a control unit 272 and a power supply 278. The reservoir 251 contains a volume of fluid 245 that is directed into the mouth of the user U through the irrigator tip 203 during operation of the oral irrigator 200. The fluid 245 may be selected from, for example, water, a water-air mixture, an oral cleaning concentrate, a standard or preservative (alcohol-based) mouthwash, or any fluid having a sufficiently low viscosity to travel through the channel 212. The pump subassembly 254 includes a pressure sensor 257. The pressure sensors 257 are arranged to detect a first pressure 260A, a second pressure 260B, and a third pressure 260C. When the first flow path 230A is substantially aligned with the channel 212, the first pressure 260A is associated with the first state 239A. When the second flow path 230B is substantially aligned with the channel 212, the second pressure 260B is associated with a second state 239B (shown in fig. 4D). The third pressure 260C is associated with the closed state 239C (not shown) when the first flow path 230A and the second flow path 230B are not substantially aligned with the channel 212, and wherein the flow 242 of the fluid 245 through the channel 212 is partially or fully restricted. Preferably, a first pressure 260A, a second pressure 260B, and a third pressure 260C are measured within the pump subassembly 254; however, it should be understood that the first pressure 260A, the second pressure 260B, and the third pressure 260C may be measured at any point along the flow 242 spanning from the reservoir 251 to the piston valve 221. Thus, while the pressure sensor 257 is shown within the pump subassembly 254, it should be understood that the pressure sensor 257 may be placed at any point along the flow 242 spanning from the reservoir 251 to the piston valve 221.

The pump subassembly 254 also includes a motor 263, a crank 266, and a piston 269. The motor 263, crank 266, and piston 269 work in concert to create a pressurized environment that promotes flow 242 from the reservoir 251 through the cord 284 into the flusher end 203 and into the mouth of the user U. Cord 284 is a substantially hollow, flexible tube having a first end 287 and a second end 290. A first end 287 of the cord 284 is fixedly secured to the handle portion 206 of the flusher tip 203, and a second end 290 of the cord 284 is fixedly secured to the pump sub-assembly 254. The cord 284 serves as a conduit through which the stream 242 of fluid 245 travels from the reservoir 251 to the flusher tip 203 and into the mouth of the user U for cleaning.

The control unit 272 also includes a processor and memory arranged to execute a series of non-transitory computer readable instructions to control the operation of the motor 263. The control unit 272 receives electrical power from the power supply 278 and is arranged to control the speed and/or power of the motor 263 by adjusting the operating current 281 of the motor 263. The control unit 272 receives the first, second and third pressures 260A, 260B, 260C from the pressure sensors 257 and adjusts the speed and/or power of the motor 263 accordingly. For example, in one exemplary embodiment, the first pressure 260A is less than the second pressure 260B and the second pressure 260B is less than the third pressure 260C. When the user U applies a second force F2 to the actuator 215 in the second direction DR2 effective to switch the mechanical valve assembly 218 from the first state 239A to the second state 239B (as shown in fig. 4D), the pressure sensor 257 relays a change from the first pressure 260A associated with the first state 239A to the second pressure 260B associated with the second state 239B (shown in fig. 4D) to the control unit 272. Further, the user U applies a third force F3 to the actuator 215 in the second direction DR2 effective to switch from the second state 239C to the closed state from the mechanical valve assembly 218(not shown), the pressure sensor 257 relays a change from the second state 239B associated with the second pressure 260B to the off state 239C (not shown) associated with the third pressure 260C to the control unit 272. In response to these changes, the control unit 272 reduces the operating current 282 of the motor 263, thereby reducing the speed and/or power of the motor 263 according to a predefined setting or in proportion to the pressure change. This reduction in operating pressure prevents vibrations that continue to operate the motor with increased pressure (i.e., at the second pressure 260B or the third pressure 260C) and, in turn, prevent the vibrations from being conducted through the cord 284 to the user U, thereby enhancing the comfort and experience of the user when using the device.

It should also be appreciated that the second and third forces F2 and F3 must satisfy the minimum force required to release the piston valve 221 from the friction stop 236. In an alternative to the above-described exemplary embodiment, it is also possible to provide the piston valve 221 with a second force F2 and a third force F3 or any additional force, which is not explicitly described herein, such that the piston valve 221 may simply be released from the friction stop 236 such that the biasing element 233 may displace the piston valve 221 in the direction DR1 to effectively switch the state of the mechanical valve assembly 218 from the second state 239B to the first state 239A, or from the closed state 239C (not shown) to the second state 239B.

It will be appreciated that the foregoing arrangement may detect that a change in pressure, i.e., a change from the first pressure 260A to the second pressure 260B and/or a change in pressure from the second pressure 260B to the third pressure 260C, is limited to a predefined threshold, e.g., a change from the first state 239A to the closed state 239B may generate a 500% pressure difference between the first pressure 260A and the third pressure 260C, i.e., the third pressure 260C is five times the magnitude of the first pressure 260A; however, the threshold may vary to any threshold sufficient to distinguish between natural fluctuations in operation of the pump subassembly 254 and pressure changes caused by changes in the state of the mechanical valve assembly 218, for example. It should also be appreciated that pressure differentials above this threshold may also be used to generate a rhythmic pressure sequence, i.e., to change the piston valve rhythmically (e.g., "double-click" or "triple-click") from the first state 239A to the second state 239B, or from the second state 239B (shown in fig. 4D) to the closed state 239C (not shown) when the user depresses the piston valve 221. Such a tempo received at the pressure sensor 257 may be transmitted to the control unit 272 and the control unit 272 will store the tempo sequence of pressures in a memory. When the control unit 272 compares the cadence pressure sequence stored in memory and compares the received sequence to a database of stored sequences, the control unit 272 may increase or decrease the speed/power of the motor 263 in accordance with a mapped response to a matching sequence in the database.

Fig. 4A illustrates a detailed view of a cross-section 4A of the mechanical valve assembly 118 in a first state 139A in which the first flow path 130A of fig. 2 is substantially aligned with the passage 112. Fig. 4B illustrates a detailed view of a cross-section 4B of the mechanical valve assembly 118 in a first state 139A in which the first flow path 230A is substantially aligned with the channel 212 of fig. 3. Fig. 4C shows a detailed view of section 4A of the mechanical valve assembly 118 in the closed state 139A in fig. 2 with the first flow path 130A substantially misaligned with the passage 112. Fig. 4D illustrates a detailed view of a cross-section 4B of the mechanical valve assembly 118 in a second state 139A in which the second flow path 230A of fig. 3 is substantially aligned with the channel 212.

Fig. 5 shows an oral irrigator 300. The oral irrigator 300 includes an irrigator tip 303 having a handle portion 306 and a tip portion 309. The irrigator tip 303 also includes a channel 312 that extends within and through both the tip portion 303 and the handle portion 306. During use, the user U grasps the handle portion 306 of the irrigator tip 303 and positions the tip portion 309 within the user's mouth such that when the oral irrigator 300 is turned on, fluid (e.g., fluid 345, discussed below) is directed to the teeth of the user U to clean plaque and debris on the teeth and/or gums.

The irrigator tip 303 also includes an actuator 315 positioned within a partial bore in the handle portion 306 and is disposed through the channel 312. The actuator 315 also includes a mechanical valve assembly 318. The mechanical valve assembly 318 includes a piston valve 321 having a first piston valve portion 324A, a second piston valve portion 324B, and a first connector 327A (all shown in fig. 7A). The first connector 327A is disposed within the gap between the first piston valve portion 324A and the second piston valve portion 324B. The first connector 327A is sized such that the width or thickness of the first connector is relatively small compared to the width of the channel 312. The mechanical valve assembly 318 also includes a first flow path 330A, a biasing element 333, and a friction stop 336 (all shown in fig. 7A). When in the first state 339A, the biasing element 333 is arranged to engage the second piston valve portion 324B and to exert a first force F1 on the second piston valve portion 324B in the first direction DR1 to place the first connector 327A, and the first connector creates a gap between the first piston valve portion 324A and the second piston valve portion 324B that is substantially in line with the passage 312 that creates the first flow path 330A. In operation, the user U applies a second force F2 on the first piston valve portion 324A of the piston valve 321 in a second direction DR2 opposite the first direction DR 1. The second force F2 displaces the piston valve 321 against the biasing element 333 in the direction DR2 until the friction stop 336 secures the piston valve 321 in the closed state 339B (shown in fig. 7C) to reduce or completely block the flow 342 of the fluid 345. It should be appreciated that the friction stop 336 is not necessary as the biasing element may be arranged to at least partially limit the movement of the piston valve 321 in the second direction DR 2. This obstruction of the flow 342 creates a back pressure or buildup of pressure within the system that is conducted back along the flow 342 to the pump subassembly 354 as discussed below. Although the actuator 315 is shown and described in a manner similar to a piston valve, it should be understood that the actuator 315 may be any actuator or valve known in the art capable of at least partially changing the flow 342, i.e., increasing or decreasing the flow 342, such as, for example, a ball valve, a butterfly valve, a throttle valve, a diaphragm or membrane valve, a gate valve, a stop valve, a knife valve, a needle valve, a pinch valve, a plug valve, a solenoid valve, a spool valve, a check valve, and the like.

The oral irrigator 300 also includes a housing 348 containing a reservoir 351, a pump subassembly 354, a control unit 372 and a power supply 378. The reservoir 351 contains a volume of fluid 345 that is directed through the irrigator tip 303 into the mouth of the user U during operation of the oral irrigator 300. Fluid 345 may be selected, for example, from: water, a water-air mixture, an oral cleaning concentrate, a standard or preservative (alcohol-based) mouthwash, or any fluid with a sufficiently low viscosity to travel through the passage 312.

The pump subassembly 354 includes a motor 363, a crank 366, and a piston 369. The motor 363, crank 366, and piston 369 cooperate to create a pressurized environment that facilitates flow 342 from the reservoir 351, through the cord 384, into the flusher tip 303, and into the mouth of the user U. The rope 384 is a substantially hollow, flexible tube having a first end 387 and a second end 390. The first end 387 of the tether 384 is fixedly secured to the handle portion 306 of the flusher tip 303 and is in fluid communication with the second end 306. The second end 390 of the cord 384 is fixedly secured to the pump subassembly 354 and is in fluid communication with the pump subassembly 354. The tether 384 serves as a conduit through which the flow 342 of fluid 345 travels from the reservoir 351 to the flusher end 303 and into the mouth of the user U for cleaning.

The control unit 372 also includes a processor and memory arranged to execute a series of non-transitory computer readable instructions to control the operation of the motor 363. The control unit 372 receives electrical power from the power supply 378 and is arranged to control the speed and/or power of the motor 363 by regulating the operating current 381 of the motor 363. The control unit 372 includes a load sensor 357. The load sensor 357 is arranged to detect a first load 360A, a second load 360B and/or a first motor speed 361A and a second motor speed 361B on the motor 363. To this end, the load sensor 357 may be a current sensor or a sensor arranged to measure the motor speed or rotation, such as a tachometer. When the first flow path 330A is substantially aligned with the channel 312, the first load 360A is associated with the first state 339A. When the first flow path 330A is substantially misaligned with the channel 312, and where the flow 342 of the fluid 345 through the channel 312 is partially or fully restricted to create a varying backpressure within the system sufficient to vary the load on the motor 363, the second load 360B is associated with the off state 339B. Preferably, the first load 360A, the second load 360B, the first motor speed 361A, and the second motor speed 361B are measured by load sensors 357 that are engaged to communicate with the control unit 372 and the motor 363. The control unit 372 receives the first and second loads 360A, 360B, for example, from the load sensor 357 and adjusts the speed and/or power of the motor 363 accordingly. For example, in one example embodiment, the first load 360A is smaller than the second load 360B. When the user U applies a second force F2 to the actuator 315 in the second direction DR2 effective to switch the mechanical valve assembly 318 from the first state 339A to the closed state 339B (shown in fig. 7C), the load sensor 357 relays a change from a first load 360A associated with the first state 339A to a second load 360B associated with the closed state 339B (shown in fig. 7C). In response to the change, the control unit 372 reduces the operating current 381 of the motor 363 according to a predefined setting or in proportion to the load change, thereby reducing the speed and/or power of the motor 363. This results in a change in operating pressure and prevents vibrations of the continuously operating motor under an increase in load (i.e., the second load 360B), and in turn prevents the vibrations from being conducted to the user U through the cord 384, thereby improving the comfort and experience of the user when using the device.

It should be appreciated that the foregoing arrangement may detect a change in load, i.e., a change from the first load 360A to the second load 360B is limited to a predefined threshold, e.g., a change from the first state 339A to the off state 339B may generate a 500% load difference between the first load 360A and the second load 360B, i.e., the second load 360B is five times the size of the first load 360A; however, the threshold may vary to any threshold sufficient to distinguish between natural fluctuations in operation of the pump subassembly 354 and changes in load caused by changes in the state of the mechanical valve assembly 318, for example. It should also be appreciated that load differences above this threshold may also be used to generate a rhythmic load sequence, i.e., when the user presses the piston valve 321, the piston valve is rhythmically changed (e.g., "double-click" or "triple-click") from the first state 339A to the closed state 339B. Such a tempo received at the load sensor 357 may be transmitted to the control unit 372 and the control unit 372 will store the tempo load sequence in memory. When the control unit 372 compares the stored cadence load sequences and compares the received sequences to a database of stored sequences, the control unit 372 may respond to increasing or decreasing speed/power of the motor 363 according to the mapping of the matching sequences in the database. Similar arrangements and subsequent functionality of the control unit 372 may be equally applied to the detection of a change from the first motor speed 361A to the second motor speed 361B.

Fig. 6 shows an oral irrigator 400. The oral irrigator 400 includes an irrigator tip 403 having a handle portion 406 and a tip portion 409. The irrigator tip 403 also includes a channel 412 that extends within and through both the tip portion 403 and the handle portion 406. During use, the user U grasps the handle portion 406 of the irrigator tip 403 and positions the tip portion 409 within the user's mouth such that when the oral irrigator 400 is turned on, fluid (e.g., fluid 445 as discussed below) is directed to the teeth of the user U to clean plaque and debris on the teeth and/or gums.

The flusher tip 403 also includes an actuator 415 positioned within a partial through-hole in the handle portion 406 and disposed through the channel 412. The actuator 415 also includes a mechanical valve assembly 418. The mechanical valve assembly 418 includes a piston valve 421 having a first piston valve portion 424A, a second piston valve portion 424B, a third piston valve portion 424C, a first connector 427A, and a second connector 427B (all shown in fig. 7B). The first connector 427A is disposed in the gap between the second valve part 424B and the third valve part 424B. The second connector 427B is disposed in the gap between the first piston valve portion 424A and the second piston valve portion 424B. The first connector 427A and the second connector 427B are dimensioned such that the width or thickness of the first connector 427A and the second connector 427B is relatively small compared to the width of the channel 412. The mechanical valve assembly 418 further includes a first flow path 430A, a second flow path 430B, a biasing element 433, and a friction stop 436 (all shown in fig. 7B). When in the first state 439A, the biasing element 433 is arranged to engage the third piston valve portion 424C, to exert a first force F1 on the third piston valve portion 424C in the first direction DR1 to place the first connector 427A, and the first connector creates a gap between the third piston valve portion 424C and the second piston valve portion 424B that is substantially in line with the passage 412 that creates the first flow path 430A. In operation, the user U exerts a second force F2 on the first piston valve portion 424A of the piston valve 421 in a second direction DR2 opposite the first direction DR 1. The second force F2 displaces the piston valve 421 in the direction DR2 against the biasing element 433 until the friction stop 436 secures the piston valve 421 in the second state 439B (shown in fig. 7D). The second state 439B corresponds to a substantial alignment of the second connector 427B and a gap is created between the first piston valve portion 424A and the second piston valve portion 424B, wherein the passage 412 creates a second flow path 430B. In one exemplary embodiment, the first flow path 430A has a diameter D1 and the second flow path 430B has a diameter D2, where D2 is greater than D1. It should also be understood that the first flow path 430A and the second flow path 430B may be arranged such that D1 is greater than D2, or D1 is equal to D2. This may be accomplished, for example, by varying the length of the first connector 427A and the second connector 427B. During subsequent use of the oral irrigator 400, the user U may apply a third force F3 in the direction DR2 on the first piston valve portion 424A of the piston valve 421 against the biasing element 433 until the friction stop 436 secures the piston valve 421 in the closed state 439C (not shown) to reduce or completely impede the flow 442 of the fluid 445. It should be appreciated that the friction stop 436 is not necessary as the biasing element may be arranged to at least partially limit the piston valve movement 421 in the second direction DR 2. This change in flow and/or complete blockage of flow 442 creates a build-up of back pressure or pressure within the system that is conducted back along flow 442 to the pump subassembly 454 as discussed below. Although actuator 415 is shown and described in a manner similar to a piston valve, it should be understood that actuator 415 may be any actuator or valve known in the art capable of at least partially varying flow 442, i.e., increasing or decreasing flow 442, such as, for example, a ball valve, a butterfly valve, a throttle valve, a diaphragm or membrane valve, a gate valve, a stop valve, a knife valve, a needle valve, a pinch valve, a plug valve, a solenoid valve, a spool valve, a check valve, and the like.

The oral irrigator 400 further includes a housing 448, the housing 448 containing a reservoir 451, a pump subassembly 454, a control unit 472, and a power supply 478. The reservoir 451 contains a volume of fluid 445 that is directed into the mouth of the user U through the irrigator tip 403 during operation of the oral irrigator 400. The liquid 445 may be selected from, for example, water, a water-air mixture, an oral cleaning concentrate, a standard or preservative (alcohol-based) mouthwash, or any fluid with a viscosity low enough to travel through the passage 412.

The pump subassembly 454 includes a motor 463, a crank 466, and a piston 469. The motor 463, crank 466, and piston 469 work in conjunction to create a pressurized environment 451 that promotes flow 442 from the reservoir through the cord 484 into the flusher end 403 and into the mouth of the user U. The tether 484 is a substantially hollow, flexible tube having a first end 487 and a second end 490. A first end 487 of the tether 484 is fixedly secured to the pump subassembly 454, and a second end 490 of the tether 484 is fixedly secured to the handle portion 406 of the flusher end 403. The cord 484 serves as a conduit through which the flow 442 of fluid 445 travels from the reservoir 451 to the flusher tip 403 and into the mouth of the user U for cleaning.

The control unit 472 further comprises a processor and memory arranged to execute a series of non-transitory computer readable instructions to control the operation of the motor 463. The control unit 472 receives power from a power supply 478 and is arranged to control the speed and/or power of the motor 463 by adjusting the operating current 481 of the motor 463. The pump subassembly 454 includes a load cell 457. The load sensor 457 is arranged to detect a first load 460A, a second load 460B, and a third load 460C, or a first motor speed 461A and a second motor speed 461B. When the first flow path 430A is substantially aligned with the channel 412, the first load 460A is associated with a first state 439A. When the second flow path 430B is substantially aligned with the channel 412, the second load 460B is associated with a second state 439B (shown in fig. 7D). When the first flow path 430A and the second flow path 430B are not substantially aligned with the channel 412, and wherein the flow 442 of the fluid 445 through the channel 412 is partially or fully restricted, the third load 460C is associated with a closed state 439C (not shown). Preferably, the first load 460A, the second load 460B, the third load 460C, the first motor speed 461A and the second motor speed 461B are measured by a load cell 457. To this end, the load sensor 457 may be a current sensor or a sensor arranged to measure the speed or rotation of the motor, e.g. a tachometer. The control unit 472 receives the first, second and third loads 460A, 460B, 460C from the load sensor 457 and adjusts the speed and/or power of the motor 463 accordingly. For example, in one example embodiment, the first load 460A is smaller than the second load 460B and the second load 460B is smaller than the third load 460C. When the user U applies a second force F2 to the actuator 415 in the second direction DR2 effective to switch the mechanical valve assembly 418 from the first state 439A to the second state 439B (shown in fig. 7D), the load sensor 457 relays a change from a first load 460A associated with the first state 439A to a second load 460B (shown in fig. 7D) associated with the second state 439B to the control unit 472. Further, when the user U applies a third force F3 to the actuator 415 in the second direction DR2 effective to switch the mechanical valve assembly 418 from the second state 439B (shown in fig. 7D) to the closed state 439C (not shown), the load sensor map 457 relays a change from the second load 460B associated with the second state 439B (shown in fig. 7D) to the third load 460C associated with the closed state 439C (not shown) to the control unit 472. In response to these changes, the control unit 472 reduces the operating current 481 of the motor 463 according to a predefined setting or in proportion to the pressure change, thereby reducing the speed and/or power of the motor 463. The resulting reduction in operating pressure prevents vibrations of the continuously operating motor under increasing load or pressure (i.e., under the second load 460B or the third load 460C) and, in turn, prevents the vibrations from being conducted through the cord 484 to the user U, thereby improving the comfort and experience of the user when using the device.

It should also be appreciated that the second and third forces F2 and F3 must satisfy the minimum force required to release the piston valve 421 from the friction stop 436. In an alternative to the exemplary embodiment described above, the piston valve 421 may also simply be released from the friction stop 436 when the second and third forces F2, F3, or any additional force not explicitly described herein, is provided to the piston valve 421 such that the biasing element 433 may displace the piston valve 421 in the direction DR1 to effectively switch the state of the mechanical valve assembly 418 from the second state 439B (shown in fig. 7D) to the first state 439A, or from the closed state 439C (not shown) to the second state 439B (shown in fig. 7D).

It should be appreciated that the foregoing arrangement may detect a change in load, i.e., a change from the first load 460A to the second load 460B and/or a change in load from the second load 460B to the third load 460C, subject to a predefined threshold, e.g., a change from the first state 439A to the off state 439B may generate a 500% load difference between the first load 460A and the third load 460C, i.e., the third load 460C is five times the size of the first load 460A; however, the threshold may vary to any threshold sufficient to distinguish between natural fluctuations in operation of the pump subassembly 454 and changes in load caused by changes in the state of the mechanical valve assembly 418, for example. It should also be appreciated that a load difference above this threshold may also be used to generate a rhythmic load sequence, i.e., to change the piston valve rhythmically (e.g., "double-tap" or "triple-tap") from the first state 439A to the second state 439B, or from the second state 439B (shown in fig. 7D) to the closed state 439C (not shown) when the user depresses the piston valve 421. Such a tempo received at the load sensor 457 may be transmitted to the control unit 472 and the control unit 472 will store the tempo load sequence in memory. When the control unit 472 compares the stored cadence load sequences and compares the received sequences to a database of stored sequences, the control unit 472 may increase or decrease the speed/power of the motor 463 in accordance with the mapped response to the matching sequences in the database. A similar arrangement and subsequent functionality of the control unit 472 is equally applicable to detecting a change from a first motor speed 461A to a second motor speed 461B.

Fig. 7A illustrates a detailed view of a cross-section 7A of the mechanical valve assembly 318 shown in fig. 5 in a first state 339A, where the first flow path 330A is substantially aligned with the channel 312. FIG. 7B illustrates a detailed view of a cross-section 7B of the mechanical valve assembly 418 shown in FIG. 6 in a first state 439A, wherein the first flow path 430A is substantially aligned with the passage 412. Fig. 7C illustrates a detailed view of section 7A of the mechanical valve assembly 318 shown in fig. 5 in the closed state 339B, wherein the first flow path 330A is not substantially aligned with the passage 312. FIG. 7D illustrates a detailed view of a cross-section 7B of the mechanical valve assembly 418 shown in FIG. 6 in a second state 439B, wherein the second flow path 430B is substantially aligned with the passage 412.

Fig. 8 shows an oral irrigator 500. The oral irrigator 500 includes an irrigator tip 503 having a handle portion 506 and a tip portion 509. The irrigator tip 503 also includes a channel 512 that extends within and through both the tip portion 503 and the handle portion 506. During use, the user U grasps the handle portion 506 of the irrigator tip 503 and positions the tip portion 509 within the user's mouth such that when the oral irrigator 500 is opened, fluid (e.g., fluid 545, discussed below) is directed to the teeth of the user U to remove plaque and debris from the teeth and/or gums.

The irrigator tip 503 also includes an actuator 515 positioned within a partial through-hole in the handle portion 506 and disposed through the channel 512. Actuator 515 also includes a mechanical valve assembly 518. The mechanical valve assembly 518 includes a piston valve 521 having a first piston valve portion 524A, a second piston valve portion 524B, and a first connector 527A (neither shown). The first connector 527A is disposed in the gap between the first piston valve portion 524A and the second piston valve portion 524B. The mechanical valve assembly 518 also includes a first flow path 530A, a biasing element 533, and a friction stop 536 (neither shown). When in the first state 539A, the biasing element 533 is arranged to engage the second piston valve portion 524B and exert a first force F1 in the first direction DR1 on the second piston valve portion 524B to place the first connector 527A, and a gap created by the first connector between the first piston valve portion 524A and the second piston valve portion 524B is substantially in line with the passage 512 creating the first flow path 530A. The first connector 527A is sized such that the width or thickness of the first connector is relatively small compared to the width of the channel 512. In operation, the user U applies a second force F2 on the first piston valve portion 524A of the piston valve 521 in a second direction DR2 opposite the first direction DR 1. The second force F2 displaces the piston valve 521 in the direction DR2 against the biasing element 533 until the friction stop 536 secures the piston valve 521 in the closed state 539B (not shown) to reduce or completely block the flow 542 of the fluid 545. It should be appreciated that the friction stop 536 is not necessary as the biasing element may be arranged to at least partially limit the movement of the piston valve 521 in the second direction DR 2. This obstruction of flow 542 generates a build-up of back pressure or pressure within the system that is conducted back along flow 542 to the pump subassembly 554 as discussed below.

The oral irrigator 500 further includes a housing 548 containing a reservoir 551, a pump subassembly 554, a control unit 572, and a power supply 578. The reservoir 551 contains a volume of fluid 545 that is directed through the irrigator tip 503 into the mouth of the user U during operation of the oral irrigator 500. Fluid 545 may be selected, for example, from: water, a water-air mixture, an oral cleaning concentrate, a standard or preservative (alcohol-based) mouthwash, or any fluid with a sufficiently low viscosity to travel through the passage 512. Pump subassembly 554 includes a pressure sensor 557. The pressure sensors 557 are arranged to detect a first pressure 560A and a second pressure 560B. The first pressure 560A is associated 539A with the first state when the first flow path 530A is substantially aligned 512 with the channel. Second pressure 560B is associated 539B with the closed state when first flow path 530A is not substantially aligned with passage 512 and wherein flow 542 of fluid 545 through passage 512 is partially or fully restricted. Preferably, a first pressure 560A and a second pressure 560B are measured within the pump subassembly 554; however, it should be understood that the first pressure 560A and the second pressure 560B may be measured at any point along the flow 542 from the reservoir 551 to the piston valve 521. Thus, while the pressure sensor 557 is shown within the pump subassembly 554, it should be understood that the pressure sensor 557 may be placed at any point along the flow 542 from the reservoir 551 to the piston valve 521.

Pump subassembly 554 further includes a motor 563, a crank 566, a piston 569, and a control valve 593. Motor 563, crank 566, and piston 569 cooperate to create a pressurized environment that promotes flow 542 from reservoir 551, through cord 584, into the flusher tip 503, and into the mouth of the user U. The cord 584 is a substantially hollow, flexible tube having a first end 587 and a second end 590. A first end 587 of the cord 184 is fixedly secured to the handle portion 506 of the flusher tip 503 and a second end 590 of the cord 584 is fixedly secured to the control valve 593 of the pump subassembly 554. The cord 584 serves as a conduit through which a flow 542 of fluid 545 travels from the reservoir 551 to the flusher tip 503 and into the mouth of the user U for cleaning. The control valve 593 may be selected from a stop valve, a corner seat, a piston valve, a butterfly valve, a ball valve, a pinch valve, a gate valve, a check valve, or any other valve that may be actuated such that the valve restricts or completely blocks the flow 542 into the cord 584.

The control unit 572 also includes a processor and memory arranged to execute a series of non-transitory computer readable instructions to control the operation of the motor 563. The control unit 572 receives electrical power from the electrical power supply 578 and is arranged to engage the valve 593. The control unit 572 receives the first pressure 560A and the second pressure 560B from the pressure sensor 557 and actuates the control valve 593 accordingly. For example, in one exemplary embodiment, the first pressure 560A is less than the second pressure 560B. When the user U applies a second force F2 to the actuator 515 in the second direction DR2 effective to switch the mechanical valve assembly 518 from the first state 539A to the closed state 539B (not shown), the pressure sensor 557 relays a change from a first pressure 560A associated with the first state 539A to a second pressure 560B associated with the closed state 539B to the control unit 572. In response to this change, the control unit 572 adjusts the control valve 593 such that the control valve controls the flow through the rope 584 directly according to a predefined setting or in proportion to the change in pressure. This reduction in operating pressure prevents vibrations that continuously operate the motor under an increase in pressure (i.e., second pressure 560B) and, in turn, prevent the vibrations from being conducted through the cord 584 to the user U, thereby improving the comfort and experience of the user when using the device.

It should be appreciated that the foregoing arrangement may detect a change in pressure, i.e., a change from the first pressure 560A to the second pressure 560B, is limited to a predefined threshold, e.g., a change from the first state 539A to the closed state 539B (not shown) may generate a 500% pressure difference between the first pressure 560A and the second pressure 560B, i.e., the second pressure 560B is five times the magnitude of the first pressure 560A; however, the threshold may vary to any threshold sufficient to distinguish between natural fluctuations in operation of the pump subassembly 554 and pressure changes caused by changes in state of the mechanical valve assembly 518, for example. It should also be appreciated that a pressure differential above this threshold may also be used to generate a rhythmic pressure sequence, i.e., to change the piston valve from the first state 539A to the closed state 539B rhythmically (e.g., "double-click" or "triple-click") when the piston valve 521 is depressed by a user. Such a tempo received at the pressure sensor 557 may be transmitted to the control unit 572 and the control unit 572 will store the tempo sequence of pressures in the memory. When the control unit 572 compares the cadence pressure sequence stored in the memory and compares the received sequence with a database of stored sequences, the control unit 572 may adjust the control valve 593 according to the mapped response to the matched sequence in the database. Although the oral irrigator 500 described above and shown in fig. 8 is described and illustrated as having substantially the same or similar elements as the oral irrigator 100, the oral irrigator 100 having the mechanical valve assembly 118 and all of its components, and the pump subassembly 154 and all of its components, it should also be understood that the oral irrigator 500 may also utilize the mechanical valve assemblies 218, 318 and 418, as well as the various embodiments of the various pump subassemblies 254, 354 and 454 described above.

All definitions, as defined and used herein, should be understood to control dictionary definitions, definitions in documents incorporated by reference, and/or ordinary meanings of the defined terms.

The indefinite articles "a" and "an" as used herein in the specification and in the claims are to be understood as meaning "at least one" unless expressly specified to the contrary.

The phrase "and/or" as used herein in the specification and claims should be understood to mean "one or two" of the elements so combined, i.e., present in combination in some cases and not present in combination in other cases. Multiple elements listed with "and/or" should be construed in the same manner, i.e., that "one or more" elements are so connected. In addition to elements specifically identified by the "and/or" clause, other elements may optionally be present, whether related or unrelated to those specifically identified elements.

As used herein in the specification and claims, "or" should be understood to have the same meaning as "and/or" as defined above. For example, when separating items in a list, "or" and/or "should be interpreted as being inclusive, i.e., including at least one, but also including multiple elements or elements of the list, and, optionally, additional unlisted items. Only terms of the contrary, such as "only one of" or "exactly one of," or, when used in the claims, "consisting of … …," will be referred to as exactly containing one of the elements or a list of elements. In general, the term "or" as used herein should be interpreted merely as indicating an exclusive alternative (i.e., "one or the other but not both"), as opposed to the exclusive term such as "or," one of, "" only one of, "or" exactly one of.

As used herein in the specification and claims, the phrase "at least one" in reference to a list of one or more elements should be understood to mean that at least one element is selected from any one or more elements of the list of elements, but does not necessarily include at least one of each element specifically listed in the list of elements, and does not exclude any combination of elements in the list of elements. This definition also allows that elements may optionally be present other than the elements specifically identified in the list of elements to which the phrase "at least one" refers, whether related or unrelated to those elements specifically identified.

As used herein, the term "biasing element" is intended to mean any element capable of absorbing kinetic energy and storing it as potential energy, and utilizing the stored potential energy to generate a force on an object or element. For example, the biasing element may refer to a compression spring, an extension spring, a torsion spring, a constant force spring, a belleville spring, a coil spring, a resilient foam, a resilient plastic material, or any other material that may create a constant pressure or force on an object.

As used herein, the term "friction stop" refers to a region in which sufficient frictional force is applied to the piston valve 121, 221, 321, 421 or 521 such that a coefficient of static friction on the piston valve in the region prevents the piston valve 121, 221, 321, 421 and 521 from moving in response to the constant force applied by the biasing element 133, 233, 333, 433 and 533, but will allow movement of the piston valve in the first direction DR1 or the second direction DR2 when a sufficient force is applied by a user.

It will also be understood that, unless explicitly stated to the contrary, in any methods claimed herein, including more than one step or action, the order of the steps or actions of a method is not necessarily limited to the order in which the steps or actions of the method are recited.

In the claims, as well as in the specification above, all transitional phrases such as "comprising," "including," "carrying," "having," "containing," "involving," "holding," "constituting," and the like are to be understood to be open-ended, i.e., to mean including but not limited to. Only the transition phrases "consisting of … …" and "consisting essentially of … …" are closed or semi-closed transition phrases, respectively.

While several inventive embodiments have been described and illustrated herein, those of ordinary skill in the art will readily envision a variety of other means and/or structures for performing the function and/or obtaining the results and/or advantages described herein, and each of such variations and/or modifications is deemed to be within the scope of the disclosed embodiments described herein. More generally, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that all parameters, dimensions, materials, and configurations described herein are meant to be exemplary and that the actual parameters, dimensions, materials, and/or configurations will depend upon the specific application for which the teachings of the present disclosure is being used. Those skilled in the art will recognize, or be able to ascertain using no more than routine experimentation, many equivalents to the specific embodiments of the invention described herein. It is, therefore, to be understood that the foregoing embodiments are presented by way of example only and that, within the scope of the appended claims and equivalents thereto, embodiments of the disclosure may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described and claimed. Inventive embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to each individual feature, system, article, material, kit, and/or method described herein. In addition, any combination of two or more such features, systems, articles, materials, kits, and/or methods, if such features, systems, articles, materials, kits, and/or methods are not mutually inconsistent, is included within the scope of the present disclosure.