US 2026/0101991 A1 · APPARATUS, SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DETECTING BIOMARKERS

Abstract

An oral care implement, oral care system, and/or method for detecting the presence or absence of hemoglobin/blood in a user's oral cavity. The oral care implement may include a cavity for receiving a saliva sample from a user and a closure member that can close the cavity for purposes discussed herein. The oral care system may include a handle, a refill head, and a collection cup, with the refill head and collection cup being detachably coupled to the handle. A sample of the user's saliva may be introduced into the collection cup. The handle may include a sensor that can obtain information related to the presence or absence of hemoglobin/blood in the oral cavity or in a sample of the user's saliva. The sensor may be operably coupled to a processor that can determine whether hemoglobin is present in the sample based on the information obtained by the sensor.

Claims25

Dependent claims

An oral care implement comprising:

a body comprising a cavity configured to receive a sample of a user's saliva, the cavity comprising a first opening through which the user's saliva can be introduced into the cavity;
a first closure member alterable between:
(1) a closed state whereby the first closure member closes the first opening of the cavity and prevents the user's saliva from entering into or exiting the cavity through the first opening;
and (2) an open state whereby the first opening provides a first passageway into the cavity through which the user's saliva may be introduced into or removed from the cavity;
and
at least one sensor configured to emit light into the cavity and receive reflected portions of the emitted light to obtain data useful for determining whether hemoglobin is present in the user's saliva located in the cavity.

3 more elements

An oral care system comprising:

a handle comprising a gripping portion and a stem portion, the handle comprising at least one sensor;
a refill head comprising a sleeve portion and a head portion having tooth cleaning elements extending therefrom, the refill head configured to be detachably coupled to the handle;
a collection cup comprising a collection cavity, the collection cup configured to be detachably coupled to the handle;
and
wherein when the collection cup is coupled to the handle and a sample of a user's saliva is located in the collection cavity, the at least one sensor is configured to obtain data useful for determining whether hemoglobin is present in the sample of the user's saliva located in the collection cavity.

2 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Apparatus, system and method for detecting biomarkers

Life of this patent

Apparatus, system and method for detecting biomarkers

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims25