Patent ID: 8595882

Claim:
A power toothbrush with an electromagnetic actuator comprising: a handle; a brushhead assembly including a brushhead member with bristles extending therefrom; a brushhead assembly actuator which includes a lower element having curved contacting portions at spaced locations along a length thereof and an upper element spaced apart from the lower element and having curved contacting portions at spaced locations along a length thereof which are in registry with the curved contacting portions of the lower element; at least one actuator coil mounted on the lower element between the curved contacting portions of the lower and upper elements; a power assembly for energizing the at least one actuator coil with an alternating current signal; at least two permanent magnet assemblies positioned between the curved contacting portions on the upper element, wherein successive permanent magnet assemblies of the at least two permanent magnet assemblies are arranged with successive opposing polarities; and roller members captured between the curved contacting portions of the upper and lower elements, wherein the at least one actuator coil and the at least two permanent magnet assemblies are arranged such that an application of an alternating current signal to the at least one actuator coil results in reciprocal movement of the upper element and the brushhead assembly for cleaning of the teeth.