Iontophoretic apparatus

• US 6,743,015 B2
• Filed: 04/15/2002
• Issued: 06/01/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 09/08/2000
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Thomas J. Magnani
• Original Assignee: Thomas J. Magnani
• Inventors: Magnani, Thomas J.
• Primary Examiner(s): Shaver, Kevin
• Assistant Examiner(s): BUMGARNER, MELBA N
• Application Number:
  US10/123,938
• Publication Number:
  US 20020132208A1
• Time in Patent Office: 778 Days
• Field of Search: 433/80, 433/89, 433/215, 433/216, 433/32, 132/311, 604/20, 151/671
• US Class Current: 433/80
• CPC Class Codes: A61C 19/063 Medicament applicators for teeth or gums, e.g. treatment with fluorides
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/044 Shape of the electrode
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/303 Constructional details electrodes for external use A61N1/0428
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/325 for iontophoresis, i.e. transfer of media in ionic state by an electromotoric force into the body electrodes for external use A61N1/0428

Abstract

Iontophoretic devices for treating dentin hypersensitivity are provided. One device includes a housing, an electric current source, and a replaceable cartridge mounted to or in the housing. The cartridge includes (1) a container containing an iontophoretic solution and (2) an applicator assembly fixed to the container. The assembly has a tip portion that is in electrical and fluid communication with the solution. Also provided is an iontophoretic toothbrush that includes an applicator assembly that has a brush with improved bristles.

Claims

1. An iontophoretic apparatus comprising:

an iontophoretic solution contained inside a container, said container comprising a base and having a mouth set apart, along a longitudinal direction, from said base;

an electric current source in electrical communication with said solution;

an applicator tip in contact with said solution;

an elongated wicking element having a first end and a second end, said wicking element elongated along said longitudinal direction, said first end immersed in said solution, said second end configured to deliver said solution to a point outside of said container; and

an applicator assembly configured to support said applicator tip and fixed to said container.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said applicator tip and said applicator assembly are disposable.

3. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein said electric current source is an alternating electric current source.

4. The apparatus of claim 2 within said wicking element is in electrical communication with said solution and said applicator tip.

5. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein:

said applicator assembly comprises a tubular structure having a longitudinal passageway; and

said applicator tip comprises a ball rotatably retained at one end of said passageway.

6. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein said applicator tip is selected from the group consisting of a fibrous swab, bristles, a felt-like tip, and any combination thereof.

7. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said applicator assembly is permanently fixed to said container.

8. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein said electric current source is an alternating electric current source.

9. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein said wicking element is in electrical communication with said solution and said applicator tip.

10. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein:

said applicator assembly comprises a tubular structure having a longitudinal passageway; and

said applicator tip comprises a ball rotatably retained at one end of said passageway.

11. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein said applicator tip is selected from the group consisting of a fibrous swab, bristles, a felt-like tip, and any combination thereof.