Patent Abstract:
A device adapted for brushing and flossing each of a user&#39;s teeth simultaneously is disclosed. Many methods and modes for the device&#39;s use are also set forth. In some embodiments, the device is custom-fitted to each user, based on molds, impressions or other 3-dimensional imaging techniques, allowing for a more effective, rapid brushing experience. Customized flossing lines, comprising a wide variety of materials and cleansing products, are set forth in exemplary detail. A specialized handle is set forth, configured for maintaining easy access to controls while leaving the device in place in a user&#39;s mouth while cleaning, hands-free.

Full Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/860,692, filed Sep. 21, 2015, which itself is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 13/570,241, filed Aug. 8, 2012. The entire contents of each of those applications are hereby incorporated by reference into the present application as if fully set forth herein. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention relates to the fields of tooth-cleaning devices and dentifrices. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    Although the modern toothbrush did not spread throughout Europe until the 1600s, teeth- and gum-cleaning implements have been in use for many centuries, and date to before recorded history. Typically, in the modern era, a toothbrush includes a handle connected to a set of round-ended, flexible bristles, and is used with toothpaste or other dentifrice and water to clean teeth and gums. In the United States, toothpastes usually include a soap for cleaning and a fluoride compound, for its anti-cavity and pro-mineralization properties to protect teeth from decay. Toothpaste is usually not ingested, and may be poisonous to ingest, although “natural ingredients,” such as enzymatic and other toothpaste alternatives, have been developed that may be safer for animals to ingest. Although the safety and efficacy of many specific dentifrices may be debated, the overall health and hygiene benefits of brushing teeth with a toothbrush and a dentifrice is widely accepted and is part of the ordinary routine of a vast majority of people in the most developed countries. 
         [0004]    Non-human animals are known to resist having their teeth cleaned by toothbrush because they do not understand its benefits and dislike the sensation. Thus, chewable teeth- and gum-cleaning implements, such as rawhide strips, have been provided to animal pets for many years, to assist in cleaning their teeth. Nevertheless, veterinarians typically view such implements as supplementary if anything, and recommend that mammalian pet owners, especially dogs and cats, brush their pet&#39;s teeth with a toothbrush as well, to assist in maintaining oral hygiene and preventing tooth decay. Neglected pet teeth, with no regular manual brushing, and even with some traditional chewing implements, can be very expensive to remediate. Veterinarians may charge $700 or more for cleaning neglected pet teeth, and the pet teeth may still not be restored after such procedures. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0005]    New chewing-actuated teeth cleaning techniques are provided. In some aspects of the invention, an implement with bite-actuated tooth cleaning aspects known and branded as a CLEANCHEW™ is provided, which may comprise tooth and gum brushing protrusion and/or bite-guided channel opening pairings or sets, which channel pairings or sets may include features, projections and/or spacers and one-way valves to permit the biting-actuated release of dentifrice from an inner chamber. In further aspects of the invention, internal springs and the tension of surrounding material aid in creating bite actuation. In still other aspects of the invention, movable bite-actuated and/or motor-actuated members conform an elastomeric or flexible outer layer with additional sub-features that aid in teeth and oral cavity cleaning. 
         [0006]    In additional aspects of the invention, a device adapted for brushing and flossing each of a user&#39;s teeth simultaneously is disclosed. Many methods and modes for the device&#39;s use are also set forth. In some embodiments, the device is custom-fitted to each user, based on molds, impressions or other 3-dimensional imaging techniques, allowing for a more effective, rapid brushing experience. Customized flossing lines, comprising a wide variety of materials and cleansing products, are set forth in exemplary detail. A specialized handle is set forth, configured for maintaining easy access to controls while leaving the device in place in a user&#39;s mouth while cleaning, hands-free. 
         [0007]    In other aspects of the invention, an interstitial fluid, gel or other medium, which may or may not be present in a separate interstitial layer defined by a lining, and which may or may not include a dentifrice and may or may not change its viscosity, hardness and other properties upon contact with air, aids in enabling re-sealing an inner chamber following penetration of the CLEANCHEW. Outside of that interstitial layer, an additional interstitial layer containing a gas, fluid or other agent that hardens or congeals with or causes to harden or congeal, the interstitial fluid, gel or other medium within the interstitial layer, may be included and, preferably, is comprised of chambers, locks or angled channels that maintain coverage, pressure and/or mixing between the fluids, gels or other media of the two interstitial layers at the point of perforation of a mutual wall, despite a perforation of other walls of the layers. This aspect may also be applied to a variety of other related arts, including but not limited to pneumatic and other tires, to aid in remediating fluid leaks from piercing or other deformation of a pneumatic tire structure. For example, in the instance of a tire, a chamber above each possible point of perforation may have a gradual drain in its wall at a point just above the possible point of perforation, allowing the slow dousing of the perforation with the combined-hardening component in the outer interstitial layer. The fluid, gel or other medium in the outer interstitial layer may also have a signal dye to indicate that the tire has been compromised, while maintaining pressure due to the resulting seal from hardening or congealing by mixing of the two layers of fluid, gel or other medium. 
         [0008]    Unless otherwise indicated, the following terms have the specific meaning described herein: 
         [0000]    A “CLEANCHEW,” in addition to its ordinary meaning and special meaning in the art to which it pertains, means each of the following aspects, both alone and in each possible combination, as if separately set forth: an object, preferably comprising an elastomeric or other pliant, flexible or rebounding solid material, that may be chewed and/or bitten by an animal and, due to such chewing and/or biting either or both: (1) releases a fluid, gel, liquid and/or dentifrice from a contained cavity or other feature of the CLEANCHEW in the direction of outer or scrubbing features of the CLEANCHEW or of the teeth or other oral cavity features of the animal; and/or (2) leads to and/or actuates scrubbing or cleaning by protrusions or other features on the outer surface of the object. In addition or alternatively, a CLEANCHEW may comprise a refillable inner chamber(s) variably containing dentifrice and/or any animal-bitable object that may aid in the animal&#39;s oral hygiene. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0009]      FIG. 1  is a partial illustration of some components of a CLEANCHEW and incorporated dentifrice, in accordance with aspects of the present invention. 
           [0010]      FIG. 2  is a side perspective view of an exemplary cleaning-featured opening  200 , in an outer fluid containing layer of a CLEANCHEW, such as the CLEANCHEW shown in  FIG. 1 . 
           [0011]      FIG. 3  is a top view of the same cleaning-featured variable opening as that depicted in  FIG. 2 , and serves to illustrate further exemplary aspects of the present invention. 
           [0012]      FIG. 4  is a side perspective view of an exemplary cleaning-featured variable opening and bite-induced shifting outward projection combination unit—specifically, a pairing—in its resting conformational structure, prior to biting or tooth penetration of a CLEANCHEW comprising the pairing. 
           [0013]      FIG. 5  is another view, from the same perspective, of the same exemplary pairing as that illustrated in  FIG. 4 , but in another conformation resulting from biting and tooth penetration of the pairing. 
           [0014]      FIG. 6  is a partial top-view of exemplary bitable surface features of a CLEANCHEW, in accordance with additional aspects of the present invention. 
           [0015]      FIG. 7  is a side-view of part of a CLEANCHEW that includes biting- and/or motor-actuable movable structural members. 
           [0016]      FIG. 8  is a top view of a high-speed, bite-actuable device for cleaning the teeth and oral cavity of a mammalian animal. 
           [0017]      FIG. 9  is a process flow diagram depicting exemplary steps that may taken by a control system carrying out aspects of the present invention. 
           [0018]      FIG. 10  is a schematic block diagram of some elements of an exemplary control system that may be used in accordance with aspects of the present invention 
           [0019]      FIG. 11  is a perspective view of a new form of automatic oral hygiene device, which can be used to quickly and simultaneously brush and floss each of a user&#39;s teeth and, in some embodiments, other parts of a user&#39;s mouth. 
           [0020]      FIG. 12  is a process flow diagram depicting exemplary steps that may taken by a control system carrying out aspects of the present invention, such as the control systems discussed above, and in reference to  FIG. 10 , controlling bite-actuable cleaning device  1100 . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0021]      FIG. 1  is a side-view illustration of a CLEANCHEW bite-actuated cleaning system  100  for mammalian pets. The entire CLEANCHEW is designed to be safely bitten by a typical mammalian pet, and preferably is small enough that a pet&#39;s jaws may encompass at least its narrowest widths and, as a result, dispense dentifrice and actuate a scrubbing action to aid in cleaning teeth and the oral cavity of the pet generally. A flexibly, compressible and expandable outer containing layer  101  contains a dentifrice or other cleaning liquid, fluid or gel (“fluid”)  103  in a cavity  104 , which is variably dispensable to assist in cleaning the oral cavity of a pet, preferably, a mammalian pet. As will be explained in greater detail below, fluid  103  may be dispensed to the oral cavity of a mammalian pet by biting action, via bite-dispensing, cleaning-featured openings, such as those examples shown as  105 , that are designed to accept variably-sized biting teeth. In addition, projections and/or textures, such as projections  107 , provide natural abrasion, massage, polishing and/or scrubbing, also driven by biting action. A refilling port  109  permits the filling or refilling of cavity  104  from a complementarily-shaped intermediate fluid storage container  111 , which may contain additional or differing fluid  103  and/or  106  such as, as its label is pictured to indicate, toothpaste. Preferably, port  109  is round, cylindrical or conical or otherwise has radial symmetry and comprises a one-way fluid valve, permitting the influx of fluid as shown by fluid motion arrow  113 , but which prevents outward flow of fluid, out of cavity  104  through port  109 , as shown by stricken fluid arrow  115 . 
         [0022]      FIG. 1  illustrates a variety of possible exemplary cleaning-featured openings. For example, opening  117  is an exemplary one-way valve opening, with elastomeric variably cavity enclosing features  119 . In a resting state, features  119  converge with one another and prevent the outward flow of fluid from cavity  104 . However, if a tooth, such as a mammalian tooth, enters opening  117  deeply enough, or with sufficient lateral pressure against them or surrounding, attached material, features  119  may be pulled or pushed away from one another, permitting the outward flow of fluid. Preferably, the overall design of cleaning featured openings, such as  117 , alone or in combination with surrounding material shapes and properties, tends to channel teeth and other biting projections that are pressed against CLEANCHEW  100  substantially into the center of the openings. Another preferred form of cleaning-featured opening is shown as opening  121 , and will be discussed in greater detail with reference to  FIG. 2 . 
         [0023]    Another preferred form of cleaning-featured opening is shown as  123 , which has a tricuspid one-way valve opening, with three semi-flexible flaps  124  to prevent escape of liquid, fluid or gel  103 , unless and until a member, such as a tooth, pushes them away from one another (open) with the aid of optional tooth-action-facing, complementarily-shaped push members  125 .  123  is shown in enhanced detail by a second rendering in a zoomed in window in  FIG. 1 . 
         [0024]    Another preferred form of cleaning-featured opening is shown as  127 , which comprises a sealing membrane  128  that may be pierced by animal biting and which may be scored to then create flaps that still resist the flow of liquid, fluid or gel  103  out of the CLEANCHEW to some degree, but that then permit  103  to flow onto the teeth and gums of the biting animal. An additional stop-cock or gravity ball valve (such as those used for animal water dispensers, and which close when pointed downward, at the gravitational bottom of the CLEANCHEW, may aid in preventing gravitational draining of the CLEANCHEW. 
         [0025]    Another preferred form of cleaning-featured opening is shown as  129 , with a zoom window to enhance detail, which comprises multiple hinged or flexible attached leaves  131 , each of which, by itself, if driven by outward-flowing liquid, fluid or gel  103 , substantially close opening  129 , but any or all of which may again be forced open by a biting action or tooth. 
         [0026]    Although a limited group of cleaning-featured openings and projections are shown at the top of the CLEANCHEW shown in  FIG. 1 , it should be understood that such cleaning-featured openings, projections and other cleaning textures and aspects disclosed in this application may cover substantially all bite or oral interfacing surfaces of a CLEANCHEW, or select regions better positioned to affect cleaning of an oral cavity or other cavity of an animal. 
         [0027]      FIG. 2  is a side perspective view of an exemplary cleaning-featured opening  200 , in an outer fluid containing layer of a CLEANCHEW, such as the CLEANCHEW shown in  FIG. 1 . A mammalian tooth  201  has substantially entered opening  200  due to a biting action of the mammal into and/or against the outer layer of the CLEANCHEW of which it is a part. The outer layer of the CLEANCHEW in which both the cleaning featured opening  200  and the tooth  201  are embedded, is partially shown as  203 . Lining the outer surface of cleaning-featured opening  200  are scrubbing surface features  205 , which preferably comprise and are at least partially surface-covered by scrubbing and fluid-absorbing projections, such as the projections shown as  207 . As the mammal bites, and tooth  201  enters opening  200 , projections  207  drag and/or rub against tooth  201 , aided by surface tension of the outer surfaces of opening  200 , and thereby scrub the surface of tooth  201 . Features  205  and/or projections  207  preferably do not cover the entire outer surface of opening  200 , and therefore abut surface gaps between them such as that shown as  209 . As a result, when a tooth has penetrated opening  200 , features  205  and projections  207  further serve as towers which vault the outer surface of opening  200  between them, and temporarily (as long as the tooth remains embedded in opening  200 ) permit the outward flow of fluid through the resulting volumetric gap, as shown, for example, by fluid motion arrow  211 . 
         [0028]    An inside port  213  of opening  200  is, when in the CLEANCHEW is in a resting state, substantially closed, and prevents the outward flow of material via elastomeric properties of the material comprised by the opening. However, when a tooth, such as tooth  201 , enters opening  200 , and therefore stretches its outer surface, port  213  may be pulled open due to the semi-flexible, semi-rigid nature of the material comprised in the outer layer and/or its surface, temporarily permitting the outward flow of fluid contained in cavity  215 . 
         [0029]      FIG. 3  is a top view of the same cleaning-featured variable opening  200  pictured in  FIG. 2 , and serves to illustrate further exemplary aspects of the present invention. In the instance of  FIG. 3 , a tooth is not shown penetrating opening  200  and, as a result, the inside port, now shown as  301 , is substantially closed in its undisturbed, resting conformation, preventing the outward flow (which would correspond with upward, out-of-the-page or positive z-axis flow in the figure) of fluid from the fluid containing side of layer  203 , in which cleaning-featured opening  200  is embedded. In this resting conformational state, scrubbing features, such as  205 , and projections, such as  207 , may be seen in an unobstructed top view, and are contracted into a position substantially tighter (with less space between them) than the volume that would be occupied by a tooth if sufficiently embedded into the opening  200  and between them, which would therefore create tension that could be used for scrubbing against any such tooth. Tooth-guiding channels, exemplary edges of which are shown as  308 , are also illustrated more clearly from the top-view, and extend beyond the depression in containing layer  203  comprised by opening  200 , illustrating how, regardless of where a tooth happens to land on the surface of a CLEANCHEW, it may be guided into a cleaning-featured opening, such as that featured as  200 . Of course, a wide variety of alternate channeling feature shapes may be used, aside from those partially illustrated as sloping downward (into the page of the figure) and towards the center of port  301  in a parabolic or otherwise curved shape, as shown in  FIG. 3 . Such alternate channeling feature shapes may also comprise abrading or scrubbing sub-features, which, as with other scrubbing features discussed with respect to other figures, may be angled such that their edges better catch the edges of debris and tartar from one, two, more or opposing directions of tooth movement. As such, configurations of such sub-features may be used that are effective regardless of whether a tooth is moving inward or outward (e.g., due to biting, or opening) and/or twisting and scrubbing or brushing can be more efficient. 
         [0030]      FIG. 4  is a side perspective view of an exemplary cleaning-featured variable opening and bite-induced-shifting scrubbing outward projection combination unit —specifically, a pairing—in its resting conformational structure, prior to biting or tooth penetration of a CLEANCHEW comprising the pairing. In the pairing  400 , a cleaning-featured variable opening  401  (for example, such openings of any style discussed elsewhere in this application or as illustrated in  FIG. 4 ), is united with a scrubbing outward projection  403  (again, for example, such projections of any style discussed elsewhere in this application or as illustrated in  FIG. 4 ) and is so united by connecting intermediate material, comprising a banded spring element(s)  405 , which has/have both (1) resting and (2) biting-actuated conformational structures, which lead to different resting and biting-actuated conformational structures in surrounding attached flexible layer(s) or surface materials  407 , which is, preferably, an elastomeric material or fabric and in which spring element(s)  405  are embedded and/or connected. Spring element(s)  405  are shown in its/their resting conformational state, meaning that the CLEANCHEW comprising it/them is not currently being bitten, or, at least not in or about the location of the pairing  400 . In this state, the resting surface tension of surrounding material  407  may lead spring element(s)  405  to be compressed, as by non-deformational bends and/or compressions  409 . In addition, tension-reducing or -breaking bend  411  may variably separate or reduce connections or spring aspects in neighboring material, such as neighboring spring element(s)  413  from spring element(s)  405 . In this state, that resting surface tension and/or the resting conformational state of spring element(s)  405  and  413  and their variable connections, may lead projection  403  to be in a curved, leftward facing structural state. However, as will be discussed in greater detail with respect to  FIG. 5 , when bitten, chewed or otherwise physically insulted, alternate conformational states due to changes in surface tension may lead projection  403  to move into a different structural position, and resultantly brush teeth, gums and/or other oral cavity aspects that the projection may be in contact with. As suggested above, a pairing of one exemplary cleaning-featured variable opening and one bite-induced shifting scrubbing outward projection is exemplary only, and triplets, quartets and much more complex interacting physical relationships between variable openings and bite-induced shifting scrubbing outward projections and/or comprised or related spring elements may be, alternatively, used in accordance with aspects of the present invention, including, but not limited to, relationships where bite-driving of more distant openings, or other differently spaced openings, lead to different conformational results for projections that are more likely to effectively brush a surface area of a pet&#39;s mouth at that distance. For example, spring bands aligning (actuated conformation) with more distant openings only may lead to brushing in directions conforming with the roof of a mouth, rather than, for example, a curved massaging actuation motion which may be created closer to tooth gums. 
         [0031]      FIG. 5  is another view, from the same perspective except that some aspects have been enlarged, of the same exemplary pairing  400 , as that illustrated in  FIG. 4 , but in another structural conformation resulting from biting and tooth penetration of the variable opening  401  of the pairing. Thus, in  FIG. 5 , a tooth  502  is illustrated as inserted into variable opening  401 , creating both downward and outward pressure on opening  401  and creating surface tension in surface materials  407 . More specifically, that pressure tends to align banded spring elements  405 , to remove conformational folds. More straightened and aligned elements  405  and  413  then approach and achieve a conformational state in which folds disappear and the elements apply a rightward, curving motion in the scrubbing outward projection  403 . That motion is illustrated by motion arrow  504 , and may aid in scrubbing gums and neighboring teeth. 
         [0032]    Spring element(s)  405  preferably have multiple stable resting conformations that may be switched by biting or other interaction with the surface of the CLEANCHEW. In addition, although this application has stressed biting-actuation for causing a shift from and to resting stable or other conformations of spring elements  405 , and driving scrubbing projections and features, it should be noted that such spring elements may instead, or in addition, drive dilation and contraction of CLEANCHEW surface variable openings such that, when a projection or other surface feature is sufficiently bent over or pulled sideways or compressed by rubbing against a surface to be cleaned, then and only then are spring elements aligned that cause outward, opening tension on the rims and surfaces of fluid, gel and/or liquid-containing orifices. Also preferably, intermediate fluid, gel and/or liquid-containing antechamber(s), preferably abutting, variably opening into and smaller than a main fluid, gel and/or liquid-containing cavity, and also abutting and sharing the variable opening(s) to the surface of the CLEANCHEW, receive such fluid, gel and/or liquid from the main cavity only by a variable valve which substantially closes during a sufficient scrubbing action that drives surface features sufficiently to cause the spring elements to drive dilation of CLEANCHEW surface variable openings. It should also be noted that, although separate spring elements and outer CLEANCHEW layer materials are discussed, a single material, with spring properties and resting conformational state(s) may instead be used as both the material layer and spring element(s), such that surface deformation or teeth acceptance may drive variable opening of both a main fluid, gel and/or liquid-containing chamber, and/or intermediate antechambers, into CLEANCHEW surface variable openings. 
         [0033]      FIG. 6  is a partial top-view of exemplary bitable surface features of a CLEANCHEW, in accordance with additional aspects of the present invention. Reticulated or interspersed grooves, such as those depicted as  600 , comprise converging channel sides, such as those shown as converging channel side pairings  601  and  603 . Such converging channel sides are within an outer CLEANCHEW material layer the outer surface of which is labeled  604 , and may, when a tooth penetrates between where converging channel sides meet (such as that shown as convergences  605  and  607 ) separate sufficiently to permit a fluid from a contained cavity to flow outward (toward the viewer of the figure), and toward the penetrating tooth and gums in which the tooth may be embedded. The meeting points of the converging channel sides are more distant from the viewer of the picture than the main surface  609  of the outer layer of the CLEANCHEW—meaning that as converging side pairs such as  601  and  603  converge, to extend the example, at convergences  605  and  607 , respectively, their surfaces slope inward, into the page, away from the viewer of the figure as they slope toward their convergences. Lining the outer surface of converging side pairings, such as  601  and  603 , are scrubbing surface features, such as those shown as  611 , which preferably comprise and are at least partially surface-covered by scrubbing and fluid absorbing projections, such as those discussed elsewhere in this application, and all of such features facilitate both scrubbing and the creation of temporary fluid-escape gaps during animal biting of the CLEANCHEW. 
         [0034]      FIG. 7  is a side-view of aspects of a CLEANCHEW  700  that comprises biting- and/or motor-actuable movable structural members. Major biting- and/or motor-actuable movable structural members, such as those shown as examples  701 , and which are generally cylindrical but with semi-spherical tops such as that shown as  702 , extend from and are mounted to movable ball-and-socket, turret or swivel joints  703 , about which they may rotate, as shown by exemplary rotational motion arrows  705  in the instance of a swivel joint (swiveling around a circular rotation axel, such as axel  706 ), or those major members may rotate in any spherical direction, in the instance of a ball-and-socket or turret joint. Major members  701  are buried beneath outer CLEANCHEW containing layer  707  (layer  707  being shown in vertical cross-section to avoid blocking the view of other aspects of the invention), which is preferably made of an elastomeric or flexible yet deformation-resistant material. Preferably, layer  707  is stretched over major members such as  701  with sufficient tension that the members are in contact with and variably shape (with their motion within joints  703 ) the surface layer  707 . Such contact also aids in permitting biting on the outer surface of the layer  709  to drive motion of the major members such as  701 . But, optionally or in addition, joints  703  may also be driven by servo/motors. Either way, the resulting moving surface shapes of layer  707  result in scrubbing and massaging of gums and teeth of an animal biting into layer  707  with its teeth. Minor biting- and/or motor-actuable movable structural members, such as the examples shown as  711 , are preferably smaller than major members  701 , and may be embedded in layer  707 , and may move both in reaction to the same animal biting (which, as discussed above, may drive the motion of major members  701 ), and in reaction to motion of the major members, which may push minor members  711  upward and/or downward and/or rotate them about lever rotational axes. Minor member  711 , therefore, are or create motion-variable scrubbing/massaging sub-features in layer  707 , in which they are embedded. For example, if major members  701  move as shown in the second joint from the left of the illustration by motion arrows  705 , the top of the left-most minor member may move into the page and to the left, in reaction, as shown by motion arrow  713 . 
         [0035]      FIG. 8  is a top view of a high-speed, bite-actuable device  800 , for cleaning the teeth and oral cavity of a mammalian animal. More specifically, device  800  is custom-fitted to accommodate the teeth and oral cavity of a human user (not pictured), and may be actuated by placement or a single bite by the user causing the users teeth to enter scrubbing channels, such as the exemplary scrubbing channels  801 , of device  800 . 
         [0036]    Generally speaking, device  800  comprises a cleaning head end  803  and a handle grip end  804 . By holding grip end  804 , a user of device  800  may insert cleaning head end  803  into his or her mouth, with the upper side (pictured) positioned with each channel  801  below a tooth of his or her upper jaw. In some embodiments, which will be discussed further below, and in reference to  FIGS. 9 and 10 , a user may power on and cause moving cleaning parts of head end  803  to begin moving and working simply by biting down, and inserting his or her teeth into channels  801 . More specifically, sensors—such as but not limited to pressure sensors—may sense that insertion of teeth and/or other mouth contact and, when device  800  is sensed to be correctly placed and the user&#39;s teeth are completely inserted (with sufficient amount and/or points of pressure detected in head end  803 ), a control system  805  within device  800  electrically connected or otherwise in communication with those sensors may power on and/or begin actuating cleaning features within head end  803 , scrubbing the user&#39;s teeth. In some embodiments, such sensor-driven actuation may take place when a mode has been activated or has not been deactivated, for example, by a bite-response mode activation button  806 , electrically connected with or otherwise able to communicate with control system  805 . In such embodiments, a user and/or the control system may disable bite-response mode and, in such cases, the actuation of scrubbing features in head end  803  may be initiated simply by powering on device  800 —for example, by depressing power button  850 . Control system  805  may be a control system such as that discussed in reference to  FIG. 10 , below. 
         [0037]    Prior to the placement and actuation of device  800  discussed herein, a user preferably wets and fills device  800  with water and a dentifrice—such as toothpaste. To do so, a user may directly wet and fill channels  801 . However, in some embodiments, internal channels and/or pumps, within device  800  allow the filling of toothpaste and/or water cavity(ies), also within device  800 . In one preferred embodiment, a filling port  807  in the housing  808  of device  800  may permit the filling of a storage cavity and fluid-directing channels within device  800 . For simplicity of presentation, that cavity and channels are not pictured, but it should be understood that they may allow the storage and flow of fluid (such as water and dentifrice) from port  807  to the teeth-accepting scrubbing channels  801 , as well as to exit ports, such as exemplary ports  809 , of a mouth epithelium-scrubbing brush unit  811 . Brush unit  811  may also comprise scrubbing features such as exemplary projections or bristles  813 . Brush unit  811  may be driven to rapidly move, preferably in a laterally shifting and/or circular motion, while generally maintaining its attitude, as pictured, and, thereby, device  800  scrubs and cleans the user&#39;s roof of the mouth and/or tongue (with a similar surface facing into the page, in the perspective of the drawing). Preferably, brush unit  811  is comprised of a compliant material, contoured to fit the roof of a user&#39;s mouth, tongue and other aspects of the epithelium of the user&#39;s mouth. Brush unit  811  may be driven by drive shaft  815 , connected to a linear actuator or other motor (not pictured) within device  800  which is powered and driven by control system  805 . In one embodiment, a user may cause brush unit  811  to be so actuated by control system  805 , and/or may cause fluid to flow from and douse the outer surface of brush unit  811 , by a user command—such as by a user depressing tongue brush activation button  817 , which is electrically connected with or otherwise able to communicate signals with control unit  805 . 
         [0038]    Motor-driven projections or bristles, such as examples  819 , are also preferably present within channels  801 , and are attached to cam shafts, such as exemplary cam shafts  821 , each of which may be driven by a local motor, such as exemplary rotary motors  822 , or another, more universal cam. In one embodiment, such a universal cam strip, connected to several bristle heads, such as the examples shown as  823 , (or directly to the bristles), may be driven by a single, larger motor within the handle grip end  804  (not pictured). 
         [0039]    The speed, (and, in some embodiments, the direction(s), intensity, or other aspects) of the scrubbing bristle motions discussed above may be controlled by a user-actuable speed control—such as exemplary slider  825 . Slider  825  is also preferably electrically connected or otherwise in communication with control system  805 , which is so connected with and able to power the motor(s) driving bristles  813  and  819 , as discussed above. In one embodiment, slider  825  increases the speed (and, in some embodiments, the direction(s), intensity, or other aspects) of the scrubbing bristles and other actuated cleaning features when actuated in the direction toward cleaning head  803 , as indicated by a speed, intensity or other aspect linear degree indicator  827 . 
         [0040]    In addition to the scrubbing motions of bristles  813  and  819 , the heads, cams and other moving parts discussed above, device  800  may power, drive and cause the actuation of other scrubbing moving parts, cleaning various aspects of a user&#39;s teeth and oral cavity when used as set forth in this application. Accordingly, in some embodiments, elastomeric flossing lines, such as examples  829 , are included, the motion of which may be driven in part by the same cam shafts set forth above (such as examples  821 ). More specifically, flossing lines  829  may be part of or otherwise integral with a channel-lining elastomeric layer  830 , which layer hugs, conforms with and flosses the sides of teeth as it moves with the rotation (or other, e.g., shifting, movement) of motors and cams driven by control system  805 . As one example, pictured, when the cams  821  shift layer  830  downward and to the left, driving bristles in the same direction, layer  830  is also pulled in that same direction. Because flowing lines  829  encounter the upper-right edges between two of a user teeth, however, line examples  829  are pulled and moved against those tooth surfaces, cleaning them—which resulting conformation and position of lines  829  are shown (without the teeth causing those positions, for visibility). As cams  821  rotate 180 degrees away from the position pictured, however, the other side between a user&#39;s teeth will instead be cleaned by a corresponding, opposing motion of layer  830  and lines  829 . In some embodiments, a dedicated cam shaft  831 , drive shaft or drive line and/or motor  833  controlled by system  805  may be used to drive each of lines  829 —in addition to the motor(s) or cam(s) driving bristles  819 . 
         [0041]    Some embodiments may comprise rotary brushes, driven by rotary motors, such as exemplary rotary brushes  835 , shown lining the bottom  836  of channel  837 , which faces the biting-surface of a tooth as it enters channel  837 , cleaning at is pressed against them with a biting motion. In some embodiments of device  800 , however, channels  837  are also valves, lining a channel or other cavity comprising dentifrice (as discussed elsewhere in this application). In such embodiments, as a tooth enters a valve/channel (such as exemplary quad-cuspid valve/channel  839 ) it unseals the valve, and allows the penetrating tooth to be cleaned as the tooth is bathed in the fluid held in the valve. As with other valves set forth in this application, and as pictured in exemplary valve channel  839 , such valves may be one-way (check valves), preventing the escape of fluid from device  800  even when opened and filled with a penetrating tooth. Also as set forth in other parts of this application, spacers for allowing some amount of fluid escape, bristles or other cleaning features may be included lining parts of tooth-interfacing surfaces of the valve, such as valve example  839 . 
         [0042]    As explained further below, control system  805  may be connected to a power source, such as a rechargeable battery and/or capacitor (not pictured) which preferably is present within device  800  and grip end  804 . However, in some embodiments, device  800  may be externally powered (e.g., by ambient electromagnetic power). 
         [0043]    Although not visible from the perspective of the figure, it should be understood that another side of cleaning head end  803 , with tooth-scrubbing channels similar to those pictured as  801 , but designed to conform to the shape of a user&#39;s teeth inset in his or her lower jaw—rather than her upper jaw, as pictured—may, and preferably is, also included in device  800 . Thus, by biting into cleaning end  803 , with a tooth entering each channel and/or valve of cleaning end  803 , a user&#39;s full set of teeth and be completely, quickly cleaned. 
         [0044]    In some embodiments, port  807 , and the cavities and channels connected with it, and channels  801  and brush unit  811  may be flushed at once by inserting a water faucet end into port  807 , forming a seal between them. In such embodiments, port  807  preferably has a ramped, elastomeric profile, enabling a seal between it and a wide variety of faucet sizes and types. 
         [0045]      FIG. 9  is a process flow diagram depicting exemplary steps that may taken by a control system carrying out aspects of the present invention, such as the control systems discussed above, and in reference to  FIG. 10 , below, controlling bite-actuable cleaning device  800 . Beginning with step  901 , the control system first determines whether the device has been powered on, for example, by a user depressing power button  850 . (It should be noted that, in some embodiments, device  800  may power itself on by passive or separately-powered sensors detecting a sufficient amount or pattern of pressure associated with use of the device. Such amounts and patterns of pressure or other stimulus will be discussed in greater detail below. If device  800  has been powered on, in some embodiments, the control system proceeds to step  903 , where it determines whether a “Bite/Response Mode” has been activated—for example, by detecting whether button  806  has been depressed. If so, in step  905 , the control system may next determine whether sensors detect pressure or other activity—for example, from sensors detecting user biting pressure within end  803  of device  800 . If that pressure or activity is detected, the control system then proceeds to step  907 , wherein it determines whether the pressure matches a recording or setting matching proper use of device  800 , for example by teeth properly seating in channel/valves  801 . For example, the control system may determine if a sufficient number of channels/valves have been penetrated, and whether they are fully penetrated (e.g., by detectors of whether the valves have been forced open by penetrating teeth.) In some embodiments, the control system compares data from the pressure sensors to pre-stored data or descriptive parameters for sensor data associated with such proper seating and, if sufficiently matching, powers and drives the cleaning features and fluid transmission aspects of end  803  discussed above, in step  909 . If the Bite/Response Mode has not been activated, the control system may also begin powering and driving those features and aspects directly. 
         [0046]    Proceeding to step  911 , the control system next may take readings from a cleaning speed, intensity or other device characteristic control—such as, but not limited to the exemplary slider  825 , discussed above—if such a control has been activated. If so, the control system may proceed to step  913 , in which it alters the driving power or other characteristics to match the selected settings. If such a control has not been activated, the control system may proceed to step  915 , in which it maintains its existing power or other characteristics necessary to drive the cleaning features of device  800  in accordance with default or previously-existing settings. 
         [0047]    Next, the control system may proceed to step  917 , in which it determines whether a tongue and mouth brush, and/or other mouth epithelium device (such as device  811 ), have been activated—for example, by detecting whether button  817  has been depressed. If so, the control system may begin to power and drive such a device in step  919 . The control system then returns to the starting position. 
         [0048]      FIG. 10  is a schematic block diagram of some elements of an exemplary control system  1000  that may be used in accordance with aspects of the present invention, such as, but not limited to, sensing gas and physical member compression and gas concentrations and actuating servo/motors and control valves, and receiving control commands and managing input interfaces from a Control and Command, as defined and discussed elsewhere in this application. The generic and other components and aspects described herein are not exhaustive of the many different systems and variations, including a number of possible hardware aspects and machine-readable media that might be used, in accordance with the present invention. Rather, the system  1000  is described to make clear how aspects may be implemented. Among other components, the system  1000  includes an input/output device  1001 , a memory device  1003 , storage media and/or hard disk recorder and/or cloud storage port or connection device  1005 , and a processor or processors  1007 . The processor(s)  1007  is (are) capable of receiving, interpreting, processing and manipulating signals and executing instructions for further processing and for output, pre-output or storage in and outside of the system. The processor(s)  1007  may be general or multipurpose, single- or multi-threaded, and may have a single core or several processor cores, including microprocessors. Among other things, the processor(s)  1007  is/are capable of processing signals and instructions for the input/output device  1001 , analog receiver/storage/converter device  1019 , and/or analog in/out device  1021 , to cause a display, light-affecting apparatus and/or other user interface with active physical controls to be provided for use by a user on hardware, such as a personal computer monitor (including, but not limited to, monitors or touch-actuable displays) or terminal monitor with a mouse and keyboard or other input hardware and presentation and input software (as in a GUI), and/or other physical controls. 
         [0049]    For example, and with particular emphasis on the aspects discussed above, in connection with  FIGS. 8 and 9 , the system may carry out any aspects of the present invention as necessary with associated hardware and using specialized software, including, but not limited to, GUI and other user interface aspects that may present a user with options for cleaning modes, bristle and other scrubbing actuation, and speed and intensity controls. As another example, the system may detect pressures and characteristics from bite sensors, controlling valves to release fluids and scrubbing features to clean teeth when sensor measurements and timing match a properly positioned and biting set of mammalian teeth engaged with the cleaning end of a device comprising said system (such as device  800 ). 
         [0050]    The processor  1007  is capable of processing instructions stored in memory devices  1005  and/or  1003  (or ROM or RAM), and may communicate via system buses  1075 . Input/output device  1001  is capable of input/output operations for the system, and may include any number of input and/or output hardware, such as a computer mouse, keyboard, networked or connected second computer, camera(s) or scanner(s), sensor(s), sensor/motor(s), range-finders, GPS systems, other Command and Control centers, electromagnetic actuator(s), mixing board, reel-to-reel tape recorder, external hard disk recorder, additional hardware controls and actuators, directional shading matrices, directionally-actuable light sources with variable collimation and shiftable bases, additional movie and/or sound editing system or gear, speakers, external filter, amp, preamp, equalizer, computer display screen or touch screen. It is to be understood that the input and output of the system may be in any useable form, including, but not limited to, signals, data, and commands/instructions. Such a display device or unit and other input/output devices could implement a user interface created by machine-readable means, such as software, permitting the user to carry out the user settings, commands and input discussed in this application. 
         [0051]      1001 ,  1003 ,  1005 ,  1007 ,  1019 ,  1021  and  1023  are connected and able to communicate communications, transmissions and instructions via system busses  1075 . Storage media and/or hard disk recorder and/or cloud storage port or connection device  1005  is capable of providing mass storage for the system, and may be a computer-readable medium, may be a connected mass storage device (e.g., flash drive or other drive connected to a U.S.B. port or Wi-Fi) may use back-end (with or without middle-ware) or cloud storage over a network (e.g., the internet) as either a memory backup for an internal mass storage device or as a primary memory storage means, or may simply be an internal mass storage device, such as a computer hard drive or optical drive. 
         [0052]    Generally speaking, the system may be implemented as a client/server arrangement, where features of the invention are performed on a remote server, networked to the client and made a client and server by software on both the client computer and server computer. Input and output devices may deliver their input and receive output by any known means of communicating and/or transmitting communications, signals, commands and/or data input/output, including, but not limited to, the examples shown as  1017 , such as  1009 ,  1011 ,  1013  and  1015  and any other devices, hardware or other input/output generating and receiving aspects. Any phenomenon that may be sensed may be managed, manipulated and distributed and may be taken or converted as input or output through any sensor or carrier known in the art. In addition, directly carried elements (for example a light stream taken by fiber optics from a view of a scene) may be directly managed, manipulated and distributed in whole or in part to enhance output, and whole ambient light information for an environmental region may be taken by a series of sensors dedicated to angles of detection, or an omnidirectional sensor or series of sensors which record direction as well as the presence of photons recorded, and may exclude the need for lenses or point sensors (or ignore or re-purpose sensors “out of focal plane” for detecting bokeh information or enhancing resolution as focal lengths and apertures are selected), only later to be analyzed and rendered into focal planes or fields of a user&#39;s choice through the system. While this example is illustrative, it is understood that any form of electromagnetism, compression wave or other sensory phenomenon may include such sensory directional and 3D locational information, which may also be made possible by multiple locations of sensing, preferably, in a similar, if not identical, time frame. The system may condition, select all or part of, alter and/or generate composites from all or part of such direct or analog image transmissions, and may combine them with other forms of image data, such as digital image files, if such direct or data encoded sources are used. 
         [0053]    While the illustrated system example  1000  may be helpful to understand the implementation of aspects of the invention, it is understood that any form of computer system may be used to implement many aspects of the invention—for example, a simpler computer system containing just a processor (datapath and control) for executing instructions from a memory or transmission source. The aspects or features set forth may be implemented with, and in any combination of, digital electronic circuitry, hardware, software, firmware, or in analog or direct (such as light-based or analog electronic or magnetic or direct transmission, without translation and the attendant degradation, of the image medium) circuitry or associational storage and transmission, any of which may be aided with external detail or aspect enhancing media from external hardware and software, optionally, by networked connection, such as by LAN, WAN or the many connections forming the internet. The system can be embodied in a tangibly-stored computer program, as by a machine-readable medium and propagated signal, for execution by a programmable processor. The method steps of the embodiments of the present invention may be performed by such a programmable processor, executing a program of instructions, operating on input and output, and generating output. A computer program includes instructions for a computer to carry out a particular activity to bring about a particular result, and may be written in any programming language, including compiled and uncompiled, interpreted languages, assembly languages and machine language, and can be deployed in any form, including a complete program, module, component, subroutine, or other suitable routine for a computer program. 
         [0054]      FIG. 11  is a perspective view of a new form of automatic oral hygiene device  1100 , which can be used to quickly and simultaneously brush and floss each of a user&#39;s teeth and, in some embodiments, other parts of a user&#39;s mouth. In some embodiments, which will be discussed in greater detail below, device  1100  can rapidly clean a user&#39;s entire oral cavity in under 30 seconds, with results exceeding the hygiene normally obtained with a conventional toothbrush. Some aspects of device  1100 , such as the exemplary teeth-accepting channels  1101  and exemplary control system-actuable teeth-cleaning brushes  1102  on their surfaces (one example shown, only, for clarity of illustration—but it should be understood that such brushes preferably line each surface of the channels  1101 ), are similar in nature to that shown for toothbrushes discussed above. In the interests of brevity and clarity, not each of such repetitive aspects will be set forth again in full detail. However, several additional aspects are set forth in this figure in this section of the application. 
         [0055]    For example, a generally crescent-shaped handle section  1104  is pictured. As with handle end  804  of device  800 , discussed above, a user can grip handle section  1104  and insert a cleaning section (in this case,  1103 ) into his or her mouth, because these two major sections are physically and rigidly attached to one another. Although unconventional, and perhaps reducing some of the leverage and ease for maneuvering device  1100  than more conventional handles, the crescent-shaped configuration of handle  1104  has many other advantages, too numerous to set forth in detail here—several of which are unique to the oral hygiene techniques set forth in the present application. Generally speaking, handle  1104  has a wide range of horizontal handgrip positions, facilitating grip by a user&#39;s preferences and right or left hand equally. Also enhancing that grip, and the presentation and access of various user interface aspects, is an upward and user-facing surface panel  1105 . The user interface aspects may include a main power button  1107 , a mode selection button  1109 , an intensity-adjusting button  1111 , and a display, such as exemplary indicator light  1113 . The function of each of such user interface aspects will be discussed herein in detail, below, as well as in reference to the techniques set forth in reference to the next figure ( FIG. 12 ). Also within handle section  1104  are two holding tanks: Water/solvent tank  1115  and a dentifrice/treatment tank  1117 , which may hold a toothpaste, tooth-treating chemicals and/or other dentifrice. Each of tanks  1115  and  1117  may be filled and refilled by a user, by pouring water or solvent into a valved opening  1119  to tank  1115 , or by squeezing a toothpaste or other dentifrice into valved opening  1121  to tank  1117 . Both of tanks  1115  and  1117  are preferably downward-sloped at their bases, and/or comprise pumps (such as exemplary pump  1123 ) to pump the fluid within them, toward and through distribution conduits—such as the examples set forth as  1125 . Those pumps, the user interface aspects on panel  1105 , sensors, and any other active aspects of device  1100  set forth herein may be controlled and powered by a control system  1127 , such as the control system set forth above in reference to  FIG. 10 , which may be electrically connected and adapted for communications with those aspects via wiring (such as exemplary wiring  1129 ) and/or any other means of power and communications know in the art. In some embodiments, the fluid contents moved through distribution conduits  1125  may be first mixed, whipped or otherwise agitated in a mixing antechamber  1131 , before being further pumped (not pictured) for distribution through secondary distribution conduits, such as the examples shown as  1133  (although shown just leading to a few exemplary line-creating ports, discussed below, it should be understood that a complex of many more such conduits, leading to and separately pressurized and controlled for each and every port by the control system, or, in some embodiments, to outer- or inner-facing ports, may be included). In some embodiments, the control system  1127  may alter the mixture and amounts of each fluid component from each of tanks  1115  and  1117 , according to a mode or intensity selected by a user (using mode selection button  1109  or intensity selection button  1111  or, in some embodiments, data from sensors—for example, by metering out different amounts of fluid from each of tanks  1115  and  1117  through controlled valves or pumps conducting fluid from the tanks to mixing antechamber  1131 . In any event, the mixed fluids (which may be, alternatively, isolated in separate distribution conduits, and released in controlled amounts at the point of use, a user&#39;s teeth) are next conducted to cleaning section  1103 , across a bridge  1135  adjoining that section with handle section  1104 , via secondary distribution conduits  1133 . 
         [0056]    Upon entering cleaning section  1103 , the mixed fluids are sent to numerous ejection ports, such as exemplary ports  1137  which are and create flossing projections via the resulting ejection of fluids. Although the example of flossing line establishing ports  1137  are given, it should be understood that a wide variety of other extrusion ports, slides, diffusion matrices or transmission materials, siphons or other transmission techniques may, alternatively or in addition, be used to transmit the fluids into contact with the user&#39;s teeth, gums, and the remainder of his or her oral cavity. In the embodiment shown, the ejection of fluids through each of ports  1137  is preferably forcibly pulsed according to a timing and pattern of force set forth in the particular use mode selected by a user (and carried out by control system  1127 ). Also preferably, there are at least two ports, situated at a point of division between two tooth-cradling pockets (such as exemplary channels/pockets  1140 ), and dedicated to establishing flossing lines between each gap in a pair of user&#39;s teeth. One of those ports, such as exemplary port  1139 , is located at the outward-facing surface of the user&#39;s teeth, while the other, such as exemplary port  1141 , is located at the inward-facing surface of the user&#39;s teeth, when a user has placed section  1103  within his or her mouth, and inserted each of her teeth into pockets  1140 . Preferably, in most usage modes, only one of each of those two opposing pairs of ports at each gap is active, ejecting the fluid, at a given time, and the force with which it is expelled is sufficient to fully penetrate and clean the gap between the user&#39;s teeth to which the pair of ports is dedicated, as well as the gap between the teeth and gums. To prevent fluid from the active port entering the opposing, inactive port, port-tightening water-foils  1143  may be included about the outer surface of each port as shown in exemplary port  1144 . In some embodiments, such as that pictured with exemplary port, the material comprising the flossing lines that they create may be more rigid than with the use of an ejected fluid. In the example pictured with port  1150 , for instance, a flattened flossing tape  1151  is gripped by a pair of opposing ports (of which port  1150  is one). In some embodiments, such flossing tape  1151  may have central ridges  1153  with edges to aid in brushing between the user&#39;s teeth. This is especially effective in embodiments, such as that pictured for port  1150 , where the control system can raise, lower and vibrate the flossing line (with motors attached to each of the ports, and an open channel for port  1150  to travel within) between the user&#39;s teeth, and even under the gums by actuating the angle of the tape (e.g., with a rotary motor or gimble changing the angle of the leading edge of the floss line). Similarly, with fluid floss lines, the flossing fluid ejected from the ports may have a wide variety of differing angles of ejection, including directions entering under the gum line. For example, in some embodiments, the angle of ejection of the ports differs depending on the exact fluid pressure applied by the control system. A resting conformation of the port that points more upward, for example, results in a higher angle of ejection, into the user&#39;s gums, when a lower pressure of ejection is caused by a variable-pressure pump controlled by the control system. But if a higher pressure is applied, and the elastomeric components of the port are stretched more greatly, the resulting extending conformation results in a more lateral angle of pressure for the resulting flossing line. 
         [0057]    As with device  800 , device  1100  may also comprise a motorized tongue brush, or other oral cavity brush attached to and powered by the device and conforming to any surface of the user&#39;s oral cavity or throat, and also controlled by control system  1127 . Also as with device  800 , and more visible in the present figure, 2 sets of tooth-accepting channels are present namely, an upper set of tooth-accepting and -cleaning channels  1145  and a lower set of tooth-accepting and -cleaning channels  1147 . Each set  1145  and  1147  is generally U-shaped to match and conform with the contour of a user&#39;s two rows of teeth (in the instance of a human user). The sets can be custom-molded to the exact impression or 3-dimensional shape of each user&#39;s mouth, for example, by comprising a heat-conformable material to match a mold of the user&#39;s teeth. An inner material, on which other structural components, may be of greater rigidity and less susceptible to such a molding process, or, in some embodiments, separated from the remainder of device  1100  during custom-molding (or vice versa, with a conformable outer shell separable from the remainder of the device during molding). Other adjustments, such as brush sizes and extensions, and the addition and exact positioning of ports, may also be custom-fit onto the device, after or as part of the molding process, avoiding the dangers of heat or other chemicals facilitating molding by adding those other components to the molded components later. 
         [0058]    Although the example of dentifrice, water and otherfluid-containing tanks has been provided, it should be understood that any suitable form of storage and conduit may, alternatively or in addition, be used. In some embodiments, only one tank, for dentifrice, toothpaste or other mouth washes, may be included, while water is simply applied to device  1100  and/or its brushes. In still other embodiments, external storage tanks, connected to device via flexible conduits, may instead be used. As yet another alternative, cartridges (not pictured), holding the fluid(s), may be inserted into device, and exchanged out when depleted, rather than having a permanent, on board storage tank(s). 
         [0059]    Also, although the example of bristled brushes, similar to a conventional toothbrush, has been provided, it should be understood that any form of brush suitable for cleaning tooth surfaces may be used for any tooth-cleaning device set forth herein. In some embodiments, a rubberized, non-porous material, with cleaning ridges may be used. In other embodiments, ultrasound or other waves or vibrations may be used for cleaning rather than brushes. For example, even the fluid ejected from the flossing ports may include a vibrational actuator, and/or ultrasound for moving the fluid, surrounding air or other fluid ejected from the ports or surrounding the user&#39;s teeth. Preferably, a combination of more than one of each of these approaches is included, and cycled in a mode for optimally, or deep-cleaning the user&#39;s teeth. 
         [0060]      FIG. 12  is a process flow diagram depicting exemplary steps  1200  that may taken by a control system carrying out aspects of the present invention, such as the control systems discussed above, and in reference to  FIG. 10 , controlling bite-actuable cleaning device  1100 . 
         [0061]    Beginning with step  1201 , the control system, such as the control system set forth above in reference to  FIGS. 10 and 11 , first determines whether device  1100  is powered on (e.g., by a user depressing main power button  1107 ), meaning that the control system receiving power from a power source (e.g., a local lithium-ion battery with sufficient power to power the operations of the control system and device  1100 .) If not, in some embodiments, the control system may indicate that recharging is necessary (for example, by causing its display  1113  to flash yellow). In some embodiments, the control system may next proceed to step  1203 , in which it further determines whether a user has inserted his or her teeth sufficiently into the teeth-accepting channels of device  1100  before proceeding (e.g., with pressure sensors, and requiring a sufficient number and pressure within the teeth-accepting channels of the device). Next, in step  1205 , the system next determines what mode the user has selected for use of the device. For example, in a regular mode, a regular or default length of time, intensity or length of brush strokes, type of brush movement or ultrasound or other vibration levels or characteristics may be selected and carried out by the control system when actuating ports, brushes and other aspects of the device. In other, more brief modes, a user may indicate that a faster clean (e.g., when no food has been consumed, in the morning) is desired, and the system will carry out a less vigorous, less lengthy, cleansing routine. In a more intense than default mode, by contrast, such as a whitening mode, the system may carry out a more vigorous, deep-cleaning and lengthy routine when carrying out the remainder of the steps set forth in this figure. As yet another example, a mode emphasizing the cleansing and massaging of the gums—for example, with the lower pressure ejection actuation discussed above—may be carried out. 
         [0062]    However, if power has been activated and is sufficient, and regardless of the mode selected, the control system then proceeds to step  1207 , in which it first implements a delay while readying the cleansing routine. Proceeding to step  1209 , in some embodiments, the control system may begin to power the brushes and flossing lines of the device, but in a graduated, slowly accelerating manner. In step  1211 , and as speed is slowly building, the system may pump water through the ejection ports, with an increasing amount of dentifrice, pre-rinsing the user&#39;s teeth. In some embodiments, the device also flushes water and debris in this step, potentially activating a valve to release fluid, draining it away from the device and into a storage container within the device (or into the user&#39;s sink through a release hatch). Proceeding to step  1213 , the system may begin to increase the amount of dentifrice and treatment fluids, soaking the user&#39;s teeth. In steps  1215  and  1217 , the system may begin to increase the cleansing activity and speed of the brushes, in stages. In step  1219 , the system may begin to actuate the floss lines of the device and, in some embodiments, threading them into the user&#39;s teeth, while, in others, creating lines of fluid, as set forth in greater detail above. At any point during this routine, the system and/or the user may elect to flush the device with water, and/or pause the scrubbing activity of the flossing and brushes, in optional steps  1210  and  1212  and  1221 . Finally, the control system may repeat any of these steps, before returning to the starting position, in step  1223 .

Technology Classification (CPC): 0