# US 11,433,152 B2 · Electrochemical device for releasing ions

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- Number: US 11,433,152 B2
- Document ID: US11433152B2
- Status: Granted
- Kind: B2
- Application number: 17/035,426
- Filed: 2020-09-28
- Published: 2021-03-04
- Granted: 2022-09-06
- Earliest claimed: 2014-12-05
- Assignees: NMR Technology AS
- Applicants: Nmr Technology AS
- Inventors: Vidar Saue
- Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US11433152B2

## CPC

- A61L 2/14: Plasma, i.e. ionised gases
- A46B 9/04: {Arranged like in or} for toothbrushes
- A46B 15/0008: {with means for controlling duration, e.g. time of brushing}
- A46B 15/0024: {with means generating ions}
- A46B 15/0034: {with a source of radiation, e.g. UV, IR, LASER, X-ray for irradiating the teeth and associated surfaces}
- A61C 17/20: using ultrasonic waves
- A61C 17/3481: {Vibrating brush body, e.g. by using eccentric weights}
- A61L 2/035: Electrolysis
- A61N 1/0432: {Anode and cathode}
- A61N 1/26: Electromedical brushes; Electromedical massage devices {(massage devices in general A61H); Combs}
- A61N 1/30: Apparatus for iontophoresis, {i.e. transfer of media in ionic state by an electromotoric force into the body}, or cataphoresis
- A61N 1/306: {Arrangements where at least part of the apparatus is introduced into the body}
- 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)}
- A61N 5/0624: {for eliminating microbes, germs, bacteria on or in the body}
- B26B 21/405: {Electric features; Charging; Computing devices}
- B26B 21/4087: {Usage or wear indication}
- B65D 41/00: Caps, e.g. crown caps or crown seals, i.e. members having parts arranged for engagement with the external periphery of a neck or wall defining a pouring opening or discharge aperture; Protective cap-like covers for closure members, e.g. decorative covers of metal foil or paper (clamping or other pressure-applying devices for securing or retaining closure members B65D45/00)
- C02F 1/4606: {for producing oligodynamic substances to disinfect the water}
- C02F 1/46109: {Electrodes}
- C02F 1/46176: {Galvanic cells}
- H02M 3/335: using semiconductor devices only
- A46B 2200/1073: Denture toothbrush, i.e. used for dentures specifically
- A61L 2/02: using physical processes
- A61L 2/10: Ultraviolet [UV] radiation
- A61L 2103/05: Living organisms or biological materials
- A61L 2202/11: Apparatus for generating biocidal substances, e.g. vaporisers, UV lamps
- A61N 1/22: Electromedical belts {, e.g. neck chains, armbands}
- A61N 1/322: {Electromedical brushes, combs, massage devices}
- A61N 1/3785: {generated by biological activity or substance, e.g. body movement}
- A61N 2005/0606: {Mouth}
- A61N 2005/0661: {ultraviolet}
- B26B 21/225: {the changeable unit being resiliently mounted on the handle}
- C02F 1/32: with ultraviolet light
- C02F 2001/46133: {characterised by the material}
- C02F 2201/46135: Voltage
- C02F 2303/04: Disinfection
- C02F 2307/02: as part of a bottle
- A61L: METHODS OR APPARATUS FOR STERILISING MATERIALS OR OBJECTS IN GENERAL; DISINFECTION, STERILISATION OR DEODORISATION OF AIR; CHEMICAL ASPECTS OF BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES; MATERIALS FOR BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES (preservation of bodies or disinfecting characterised by the agents employed A01N; preserving, e.g. sterilising, food or foodstuffs A23; preparations for medical, dental or toiletry purposes A61K)
- A46B: BRUSHES (handles not integral with brushware B25G)
- A61C: DENTISTRY; APPARATUS OR METHODS FOR ORAL OR DENTAL HYGIENE (non-driven toothbrushes A46B; {tongue scrapers A61B17/24;} preparations for dentistry A61K6/00; preparations for cleaning the teeth or mouth A61K8/00, A61Q11/00)
- A61N: ELECTROTHERAPY; MAGNETOTHERAPY; RADIATION THERAPY; ULTRASOUND THERAPY (measurement of bioelectric currents A61B; surgical instruments, devices or methods for transferring non-mechanical forms of energy to or from the body A61B18/00; anaesthetic apparatus in general A61M; incandescent lamps H01K; infrared radiators for heating H05B)
- B26B: HAND-HELD CUTTING TOOLS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR (for harvesting A01D; for horticulture, for forestry A01G; for butchering or meat treatment A22; for manufactering or repairing footwear A43D; nail clippers or cutters A45D29/02; kitchen equipment A47J; {vegetable slicers, julienne cutters and similar devices and holders therefor, B26D3/28}; for surgical purposes A61B; for metal B23D; cutting by abrasive fluid jets B24C5/02; plier-like tools with cutting edges B25B7/22; pincers B25C11/02; handles for hand implements, in general B25G; guillotine-type cutters B26D; {perforating by non-mechanical means, e.g. by fluid jet, B26F1/26}; for erasing B43L19/00; for textile materials D06H)
- B65D: CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- C02F: TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE (separation in general B01D; special arrangements on waterborne vessels of installations for treating water, waste water or sewage, e.g. for producing fresh water, B63J; adding materials to water to prevent corrosion C23F; treating radioactively-contaminated liquids G21F9/04; regeneration of reactants for recirculation into processes, see the relevant places for the processes)
- H02M: APPARATUS FOR CONVERSION BETWEEN AC AND AC, BETWEEN AC AND DC, OR BETWEEN DC AND DC, AND FOR USE WITH MAINS OR SIMILAR POWER SUPPLY SYSTEMS; CONVERSION OF DC OR AC INPUT POWER INTO SURGE OUTPUT POWER; CONTROL OR REGULATION THEREOF (transformers H01F; dynamo-electric converters H02K47/00; controlling transformers, reactors or choke coils, control or regulation of electric motors, generators or dynamo-electric converters H02P)

## Abstract

The present invention relates to an electrochemical device for releasing ions, comprising an electrical circuit comprising a first electrode and a second electrode adapted for providing a galvanic cell when the electrodes are exposed to a fluid constituting an electrolyte, and a boost converter adapted for amplifying a potential generated between the first and the second electrode. The electrical circuit further comprises a third electrode connected with an output side of the boost converter, wherein the second and the third electrode constitutes an electrolytic cell powered by the galvanic cell when the electrodes are exposed to a fluid. The present invention further relates to devices, such as a toothbrush or a shaver, adapted for being used in connection with a fluid, comprising such electrochemical device for releasing ions.

## Claims

### Claim 1

An electrochemical device, comprising a first part and a second part,
said first part comprising:
a first and a second electrode adapted for providing a galvanic cell when said first and second electrode are exposed to an external fluid, said fluid constituting an electrolyte,
one or more electrochemical system;
said galvanic cell adapted to power, when in operation, said one or more electrochemical system; and
said second part comprising a boost converter adapted for amplifying a potential generated between said first electrode and said second electrode;
wherein said one or more electrochemical system are an electrolytic cell provided by a third electrode connected with an output side of said boost converter and said second electrode when exposed to said external fluid constituting an electrolyte, whereby when in operation ions are released from one or more of said first, second or third electrode into said external fluid constituting an electrolyte; and
wherein said one or more electrochemical system are at least two electrochemical systems.

### Claim 2 (depends on 1)

The electrochemical device according to claim 1, wherein said electrochemical device is a handheld device, wherein said first part is a handle portion for being held in the hand of a user, and said second part is a head portion adapted to be in contact with said external fluid.

### Claim 3 (depends on 1)

The electrochemical device according to claim 1, wherein said first electrode is a cathode electrode of said galvanic cell, said third electrode is a cathode electrode of said electrolytic cell, and said second electrode is a common anode electrode shared by said galvanic cell and said electrolytic cell.

### Claim 4 (depends on 1)

The electrochemical device according to claim 1, wherein said at least two electrochemical systems are an electrolytic cell and an electric powered device.

### Claim 5 (depends on 1)

The electrochemical device according to claim 1, wherein said device is a light emitting device or an ultrasound transducer, connected with an output side of the boost converter.

### Claim 6 (depends on 1)

The electrochemical device according to claim 1, wherein said boost converter comprises an inductor in the form of a toroidal core inductor comprising a toroidal core made from a ferromagnetic material, and a coil wound around the toroidal core.

### Claim 7 (depends on 1)

The electrochemical device according to claim 1, wherein said first electrode comprises graphene, carbon nanotubes or fullerenes, said second electrode comprises magnesium or zinc, and said third electrode comprises silver or copper.

### Claim 8 (depends on 1)

The electrochemical device according to claim 1, wherein said electrochemical device is a toothbrush and wherein said first, second and third electrodes are provided on a brush head portion of the toothbrush, whereby when said electrodes are exposed to said external fluid in the oral cavity, ions may be released from the electrodes into the oral cavity.

### Claim 9 (depends on 1)

The electrochemical device according to claim 1, wherein said electrochemical device is a shaver and wherein said first, second and third electrodes are provided on a shaver head portion of the shaver, whereby when the electrodes are exposed to said external fluid on the skin, ions may be released from the electrodes onto the skin.

### Claim 10 (depends on 1)

The electrochemical device according to claim 1, wherein said electrochemical device is a bottle cap for being mounted on a bottle and wherein said first, second and third electrodes are provided on an inner surface of said bottle cap arranged for being exposed to said external fluid in said bottle, whereby when the electrodes are exposed to said external fluid in said bottle, ions may be released from the electrodes into said external fluid in said bottle.

### Claim 11 (depends on 1)

The electrochemical device according to claim 1, wherein said electrochemical device is a water-cleaning device adapted for cleaning water in a container, wherein said first, second and third electrodes are arranged in a housing adapted for being at least partially submerged in water, wherein said first, second and third electrodes are provided on an outer surface of said housing adapted for being submerged, whereby when the electrodes are exposed to said external fluid, ions may be released from the electrodes into said external fluid.

### Claim 12 (depends on 3)

The electrochemical device according to claim 3, wherein said electrochemical device is a wound disinfection device for cleaning wounded skin, wherein said first, second and third electrodes are arranged in a housing and wherein said first, second and third electrodes are provided on an exterior interface adapted for being pressed onto an area of a wounded skin, whereby when the electrodes are exposed to said external fluids located in the wound area, ions may be released from the electrodes into said external fluids in the wound area.

### Claim 13 (depends on 4)

The electrochemical device according to claim 4, wherein said electric-powered device is a light emitting device, connected with an output side of said boost converter.

### Claim 14 (depends on 4)

The electrochemical device according to claim 4, further comprising an electrical circuit; wherein said handheld device is adapted for being used in connection with said external fluid, wherein said head portion is provided with a functional unit, wherein said head portion is provided with at least said first electrode and said second electrode adapted for providing said galvanic cell when said head portion is exposed to said external fluid, said first electrode and said second electrode being connected with said electrical circuit comprising said boost converter adapted for amplifying a potential generated between said first and said second electrode, and wherein said handheld device further comprises said electric-powered device, or a light emitting device, connected with an output side of said boost converter.

### Claim 15 (depends on 4)

The electrochemical device according to claim 4, further comprising an electrical circuit; wherein said handheld device is adapted for being used in connection with said external fluid, wherein said head portion is provided with a functional unit, wherein said head portion is provided with at least said first electrode and said second electrode adapted for providing said galvanic cell when said head portion is exposed to said external fluid, said first electrode and said second electrode being connected with said electrical circuit comprising said boost converter adapted for amplifying a potential generated between said first and said second electrode, and wherein said handheld device further comprises said electric-powered device, or a light emitting device, connected with an output side of said boost converter, wherein said functional unit is a brush assembly or a razor assembly.

### Claim 16 (depends on 4)

The electrochemical device according to claim 4, further comprising an electrical circuit; wherein said handheld device is adapted for being used in connection with said external fluid, wherein said head portion is provided with a functional unit, wherein said head portion is provided with at least said first electrode and said second electrode adapted for providing said galvanic cell when said head portion is exposed to said external fluid, said first electrode and said second electrode being connected with said electrical circuit comprising said boost converter adapted for amplifying a potential generated between said first and said second electrode, and wherein said handheld device further comprises said electric-powered device, or a light emitting device, connected with an output side of said boost converter, wherein the electric-powered device is a light emitting device or an ultrasound transducer adapted for transmitting pulses.

### Claim 17 (depends on 14)

The electrochemical device according to claim 14, wherein said handheld device is a toothbrush and said head portion is a brush head of the toothbrush.