Multi-function switch for an oral care appliance
US8696609B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 9, 2008 |
| Grant date | Apr 15, 2014 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 27, 2031 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61C17/0217
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A multi-switch (24) for an oral care appliance includes a switch housing (28) having a hollow chamber (30) therein, a button actuator (32) with at least two O-rings (42) around the periphery thereof, and inlet and outlet channels (50, 52) connecting a source of compressed gas (18) with the housing chamber and the housing chamber with a mixing chamber (26), respectively. A pump (60) moves fluid from a reservoir (20) to the mixing chamber. The O-rings are positioned so that as the button actuator is actuated and then released, the outlet is closed and the inlet is opened, allowing gas to move into the housing chamber. The pump is actuated, and then the inlet is closed and the outlet opens, allowing gas in the chamber to move to the mixing chamber to produce a stream of fluid droplets, which are directed out through a nozzle portion (16) of the appliance.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.