In accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure, a multi-phase voltage regulator may comprise a plurality of phases, each phase configured to supply electrical current to one or more information handling resources electrically coupled to the voltage regulator. A controller may be electrically coupled to the plurality of phases. The controller may designate at least one of the plurality of phases as a first state phase, and designate each of the plurality of phases not designated as a first state phase as a second state phase. The controller may alternate the designation of at least two of the plurality of phases between a first state phase and a second state phase. Each first state phase may be configured to supply a first electrical current regardless of electrical current demand. Each second state phase may be configured to supply a second electrical current based on the current demand.

A step-down regulator comprising a pseudo constant on time control circuit is disclosed, comprising an on-time generator configured to receive a switching signal provided by the step-down regulator and a control signal provided by the pseudo constant on time control circuit, and generates an on-time signal; a feedback control circuit configured to receive a feedback signal representative of the output voltage of the step-down regulator and generate an output signal; and a logic control circuit coupled to the on-time generator and the feedback control circuit to receive the on-time signal and the output signal and generating the control signal, and a power stage configured to receive an input voltage and the control signal and generate the switching signal.

Systems and methods that provide control circuits having multiple sub-control inputs that control operation of a power electronics device (e.g., a power converter). Each of the multiple sub-control inputs are output from a separate sub-control circuit that includes a feedback circuit having an input tied to a common control node. The common control node is coupled to an input of a controller (e.g., a PWM controller). Outputs of each of the sub-control circuits are coupled to the common control node by a respective switch (e.g., diode, transistor, etc.) so that each of the sub-control circuits may be selectively coupled to the common control node to provide a control signal to a controller. Since components of each of the feedback compensations circuits are biased at a regulation voltage instead of a higher power supply voltage, the control circuit may switch between control modes with minimal delay.

Polyphase converter, comprising a plurality of electrical phases (11 to 16), which can each be driven by switching means (21 to 26), wherein at least one coupling means (31 to 39) is provided, which magnetically couples at least one first phase (11) to at least one further phase (12, 14, 16), wherein at least two phases (11, 12) to be coupled are surrounded at least partially by the coupling means (31), wherein at least one insulating body (72) is provided, which on the upper or lower side thereof accommodates the phases (11 to 16) to be coupled and on which at least one fastening means (74, 76, 90) is provided, which interacts with at least one of the phases (11 to 16) for fastening purposes.

There is provided a DC-DC converter which converts an input voltage into an output voltage for supply to a load, in which an input terminal receives the input voltage, an output terminal outputs the output voltage, power stages each includes: a high side switch, a low side switch and an inductor, the control unit executes a first mode and a second mode wherein the first mode controls the high side switch and the low side switch in each of the power stages so that a ratio of an output current in each of the power stages to a load current flowing through the load becomes a set value and the second mode controls the high side switch and the low side switch in each of the power stages so that duty ratios of the high side switch and the low side switch are equalized among the power stages.

A counterbalance mechanism for counterbalancing weight of a bottom-hinged door (such as a clamshell-type airstair door of an aircraft) includes an operator handle, a hoist rod pivotally connected at one end to the operator handle and at an opposite end thereof to the door near a bottom region thereof. A force accumulator assembly is provided which includes a force biasing member which accumulates and dissipates a bias force when opening and closing the door, respectively, to provide mechanical counterbalance to the weight of the door. A bellcrank assembly operatively connects the operator handle to the force accumulator. In such a manner, weight counterbalancing of the door is achieved.

An inceptor is provided including a control stick mounted to a seat. The control stick is movable about at least a first axis. A fly-by-wire inceptor control system is housed within a portion of the seat. The inceptor control system is configured to provide input signal indicative of movement of the control stick to a flight control system.

In a method for reducing the impact of a force upon a person seated in a safety seat of a motor vehicle at least a seat unit of the safety seat is restrained at least in part by at least one support strap. The support strap is formed with an extension piece configured to lengthen when exposed to a load as a result of an accident or explosion. A winding unit holds the support strap to shorten an effective length of the support strap and to build up a force to maintain the support strap under tension after the support strap underwent a lengthening in an area of the extension piece as a result of a load caused by a force resulting from an accident or explosion so as to reestablish an effective length of the support strap for lengthening during a subsequent force impact.

In conventional aircraft cargo compartments panels or similar flat floor elements are fastened to floor beams or similar supporting elements that are installed in the body of the aircraft. Subsequently functional units such as roller elements, latches or PDUs are mounted and connected to one another by way of appropriate control conductors. It is proposed to fasten the floor elements permanently to the supporting beams so as to form prefabricated floor modules and to install these floor modules in the aircraft.

A headrest assembly (1) for an ejection seat, comprising: a support mounting (2); and a pair of inflatable side beams (3), each attached at one end to the support mounting and spaced apart from one another, the side beams (3) being configured to be inflated from a stowed configuration to a deployed configuration in which the side beams extend from the support panel, the side beams (3) configured to deploy through: a capturing phase, during which the side beams are partially inflated from the stowed configuration such that they extend outwardly and upwardly from the support mounting and away from one another to surround the head of an occupant of the ejection seat toward a central location with respect to the support mounting.

A coupling assembly for joining a first component to a second component, the assembly comprising a shaft for connecting to a first component, and a bracket including a mounting plate for connecting to a second component. The bracket has a bracket arm extending from the mounting plate, and a head having a through-bore on the bracket arm. The shaft is received in the through-bore. A setting device acts between the head and the shaft for setting of the position of the shaft with respect to the head in the axial direction of the shaft. The assembly further includes one or more spherical bearing surfaces, which permit self-alignment of the setting device to accommodate tilting of the shaft with respect to the head about a central point in two orthogonal directions. Also, a joint comprising a first component joined to a second component by one or more of the coupling assemblies. Also, a method of forming a joint using one or more of the coupling assemblies.

A method for simulating the movement behavior of a fluid in a closed moving container is provided. The simulation is based on the determination of the potential movement path of the center of gravity of the volume of the fluid as an elliptical trajectory situated in a disturbance plane having certain semi-axes.

An aerodynamic control surface assembly comprising: an aerodynamic control surface (4); an actuator (10) for controlling deployment of the control surface; and a locking mechanism (30) moveable from a locked to an unlocked position. When the locking mechanism is set to the locked position, the actuator is operatively coupled to the control surface and the control surface can move in dependently of the actuator when the locking mechanism is set to the unlocked position. Such an assembly may be used in an aircraft to prevent clashing between a deployed flap (16) and a drooped spoiler (4) in the event of an actuator control systems failure.

A variable length light shield is disclosed for an electro-optical sensor within a nose cone. The light shield includes a base, a telescopic shade supported by the base, and a ring rotatably supported about the base. The light shield also includes a guide tube disposed proximate the ring with an end extending away from the ring about a side of the telescopic shade. The light shield further includes an extension spring supported by the guide tube with an end coupled to the telescopic shade. Additionally, the light shield includes a cable extending through the guide tube and the extension spring, with one end of the cable coupled to the ring and another end of the cable coupled to the telescopic shade. The extension spring is configured to exert a force on the telescopic shade to extend the telescopic shade. Rotation of the ring causes retraction of the telescopic shade.

A reverse thrust detent system for an aircraft includes a throttle quadrant having an intermediate reverse thrust detent position, a reverse thrust scheduling system interfacing with the throttle quadrant, at least one aircraft engine interfacing with the reverse thrust scheduling system and a programmable input interfacing with the reverse thrust scheduling system and adapted to receive an engine reverse thrust setting. The reverse thrust scheduling system is adapted to operate the at least one aircraft engine according to the engine reverse thrust setting responsive to actuation of the intermediate reverse thrust detent position of the throttle quadrant. A reverse thrust detent method for an aircraft is also disclosed.

An actuation system and method includes a tubular defining a passage, and an assembly disposed with the tubular. The assembly includes a restriction operatively arranged to receive a restrictor for enabling actuation of the assembly. The restriction includes a degradable material with a protective layer thereon, the degradable material degrading upon exposure to a fluid in the passage and the protective layer isolating the degradable material from the fluid.

A casing window assembly for completion of a lateral wellbore. The casing window assembly includes a tubular casing sleeve with a casing window and an inner sleeve releasably secured within the casing sleeve at a pre-released position adjacent the casing window.

The well pump flow sleeve assembly provides a method of quickly fitting a flow sleeve to a well pump. The sleeve is made by cutting a pipe normal to the pipe centerline of the pipe surfaces, to a length appropriate for the well pump length. A pump centering bottom cap is inserted into the pipe lower opening and the well pump assembly is then inserted into the pipe upper opening and mates with the bottom cap to align the pump in the sleeve. The pump is now completely within the sleeve with the pump discharge and electrical connection extending through the pipe upper opening. Two flow sleeve cap halves are then fitted around the pump discharge and electrical connection/safety rope to form an upper cap which is inserted into the pipe upper opening. The submersible pump is then ready for service.

Use of two different methods, either each by itself or in combination, to enhance the stiffness, strength, maximum possible use temperature, and environmental resistance of thermoset polymer particles is disclosed. One method is the application of post-polymerization process steps (and especially heat treatment) to advance the curing reaction and to thus obtain a more densely crosslinked polymer network. The other method is the incorporation of nanofillers, resulting in a heterogeneous “nanocomposite” morphology. Nanofiller incorporation and post-polymerization heat treatment can also be combined to obtain the benefits of both methods simultaneously. The present invention relates to the development of thermoset nanocomposite particles. Optional further improvement of the heat resistance and environmental resistance of said particles via post-polymerization heat treatment; processes for the manufacture of said particles; and use of said particles in the construction, drilling, completion and/or fracture stimulation of oil and natural gas wells are described.

A geological perforating tool (gun) shape charges disposed at an angle that provides an improvement over other known embodiments by accurately securing the charges in the tool to facilitate reliable, reproducible focus of the shaped charges. Charges are disposed on metal strips fitted into slots that are precision cut at predetermined angles in a tool barrel circumference.

Methods are provided for identifying the location and height of induced subterranean formation fractures and the presence of any associated frac-pack or gravel pack material in the vicinity of the borehole using pulsed neutron capture (PNC) logging tools. The proppant/sand used in the fracturing and packing processes is tagged with a thermal neutron absorbing material. When proppant is present, increases in detected PNC formation and/or borehole component cross-sections, combined with decreases in measured count rates, are used to determine the location of the formation fractures and the presence and percent fill of pack material in the borehole region. Changes in measured formation cross-sections relative to changes in other PNC parameters provide a relative indication of the proppant in fractures compared to that in the borehole region.

A pourable aqueous cement composition is disclosed. The cement composition comprises a hydraulic cement, water and a selectively removable material comprising a plurality of selectively corrodible metal powder particles dispersed within the cement or a nanomatrix powder compact, or a combination thereof. An article, including a downhole article, and more particularly a reconfigurable downhole article is disclosed. The article includes a hydraulic cement, wherein the hydraulic cement has at least partially set into a permanent form. The article also includes a selectively removable material dispersed within the cement, the selectively removable material comprising a plurality of selectively corrodible metal powder particles dispersed within the cement or a nanomatrix powder compact, or a combination thereof, wherein the selectively removable material is configured for removal in response to a predetermined wellbore condition.

In an embodiment, the cement compositions comprise: (i) hydraulic cement, wherein the hydraulic cement has a ratio of CaO to SiO2 in the range of 2.0 to 4.0; and (ii) a water-soluble metaphosphate in a concentration of at least 2.5% bwoc. In another embodiment, the cement compositions comprise: (i) hydraulic cement, wherein the hydraulic cement has a ratio of CaO to SiO2 of less than 2.0; and (ii) a water-soluble metaphosphate; wherein any alkali nitrate is in a concentration of less than 2% bwoc; and wherein any alkali hydroxide, alkali carbonate, or alkali citrate is in a concentration of less than 0.2% bwoc. Methods of cementing in a well comprising forming either of such cement compositions and introducing it into the well are provided.

A method of servicing a wellbore that includes, transporting a fluid treatment system to a wellsite, accessing a water source proximate to the wellsite, introducing a water stream from the water source into the fluid treatment system, irradiating at least a portion of the water stream within the fluid treatment system, forming a wellbore servicing fluid from the irradiated water stream, and placing the wellbore servicing fluid into the wellbore. The portion of the water stream is irradiating by exposing the portion of water stream to ultraviolet light emitted from at least one pulsed ultraviolet lamp.

A marine riser includes one or more buoyancy modules running along a length of the marine riser, wherein the one or more buoyancy modules are molded such that an umbilical may be secured along a length of the one or more buoyancy modules.

A tensioning apparatus for applying a substantially constant tension to a workover riser (12) includes a first portion (40) adapted to be coupled to a workover riser, a second portion (44) adapted to be coupled to a marine riser (14) and tensioning means (46) for providing relative movement between the first portion and the second portion to, in use, tension the workover riser.

A method and a device for enabling the use of riserless drilling fluid recovery from a seabed-based borehole (1) which is to be drilled by means of a casing (26), the casing (26) being provided with a drill bit (28) at its lower portion and with an inner wellhead (30) at its upper portion, and there being a conductor casing (6), which has an outer wellhead (8), in the seabed (2), the method including: —providing a suction module (12) with a dividable adapter (16) which fits complementarily in the outer wellhead (8); —drilling a length of the borehole (1) by means of the casing (26) extending through the suction module (12), while, at the same time, drilling fluid is flowing via the suction module (12) from the borehole (1); —subsequently pulling the adapter (16) up from the outer wellhead (8) and dividing the adapter (16); and—lowering the casing (26) with the inner wellhead (30) through the suction module (12) and the adapter (16) to its position in the outer wellhead (8).

Disclosed is a downhole well filter (800) and method of use in a tubing string with a power head (704) for creating reverse flow. The filter assembly includes an inner pipe (820) into which fluid flow is directed. The inner pipe is positioned within a cylindrical screen member (830). The well fluid flows through the screen member and debris from the fluid is deposited in the annulus (832) between the inner pipe and screen member. The screen member has a cap (860) at its upper end to prevent fluid from escaping from the upper end of the screen member. The cap may have a pop off valve (870) so fluid can escape from the screen member when the screen becomes clogged with debris or pressure builds within the screen member.

A method for determining position of a wellbore in the Earth's subsurface includes actuating a plurality of seismic energy sources each disposed at a known geodetic position. Seismic energy from the sources is detected at a selected location along the wellbore. The geodetic position at the selected location is determined from the detected seismic energy. A corresponding method includes actuating a seismic energy source at a selected position within the wellbore. The seismic energy is detected at a plurality of known geodetic positions. The geodetic position of the source is determined from the detected seismic energy.

A technique includes processing seismic data indicative of samples of at least one measured seismic signal in a processor-based machine to, in an iterative process, determine basis functions, which represent a constructed seismic signal. The technique includes in each iteration of the iterative process, selecting another basis function of the plurality of basis functions. The selecting includes based at least in part on the samples and a current version of the constructed seismic signal, determining a cost function; and interpreting the cost function based at least in part on a predicted energy distribution of the constructed seismic signal to select the basis function.

A method for selective removal and recovery of silica and silicon containing compounds from solutions that include silica and silicon containing compounds, including geothermal brines. Also included are methods of preventing silica scale buildup in the geothermal power equipment and processes employing geothermal brines by the selective removal of silica.

When conducting cementing operations within confined locales, such as the annular space within a wellbore, it can sometimes be difficult to successfully deliver an uncured cement composition to a desired location. Cementing methods can comprise: providing a cement composition comprising a cement and a property control package, the property control package comprising: a filtration control agent; a friction reducer; and a setting accelerator; introducing the cement composition into a mineral exploration wellbore; and setting the cement composition in the wellbore.

A steam assisted gravity drainage process that includes the addition of oxygen for recovering hydrocarbons from a hydrocarbon reservoir is described. Steam and an oxygen-containing gas are separately and continuously injected into the hydrocarbon reservoir to heat hydrocarbons and water to drain, by gravity, to a horizontal production well. The process can include controlling the ratio of oxygen and steam from about 0.05 to about 1.00 (v/v). The steam assisted gravity drainage process can further include removing non-condensable combustion gases from the reservoir to avoid undesirable pressures in the reservoir. The non-condensable combustion gases can be removed from the reservoir by at least one separate vent-gas well.

The invention describes a method for treating near-wellbore zones involving the steps of injecting a magnesium metal with a catalyst into the desired area of the formation to be treated. Subsequently, combustive-oxidizing solution (COS) is injected into the zone of the formation to be treated. The COS initially reacts with the magnesium, which in turn initiates a vigorous oxidation reaction of the COS. The reaction gases and heat produced by the COS oxidation reaction are harnessed to enhance the productivity of the well by creating fractures in the treatment zone and by melting of paraffin and resin deposits in the treatment zone. As a final step, acid is injected into the formation to react with the formation thereby further enhancing the porosity of the fractures. In one embodiment, the COS uses ammonium nitrate as the oxidizer, and in another, urea or ethylene glycol may be added as a reaction fuel.

A preload mechanism for a memory alloy wire actuator is disclosed that includes a rotating element configured to rotate about a pivot. The rotating element has a first contact point that is configured to couple to the memory alloy wire actuator such that contraction of the memory alloy wire actuator displaces the first contact point such that the rotating element rotates from a first position to a second position. The preload mechanism also includes a bias element with a first end that is coupled to a second contact point of the rotating element and a second end configured to be pinned relative to the pivot. The bias element has a line of action extending from the second end through the first end. The line of action has an offset distance that is the minimum distance between the line of action and the pivot. The offset distance has a first value when the rotating element is in the first position and a second value when the rotating element is the second position, the second value being smaller than the first value.

A method of operating an evaporator is described. In evaporator feed water, a Taylor bubble is developed which has an outer surface including a thin film in contact with an inner surface of an outer wall of an evaporator tube. The Taylor bubble is heated as it rises within the evaporator tube so that liquid in the thin film transitions into vapor within the bubble.

A tensioning assembly having a drive pulley, a tension pulley and a tension adjustment system is provided. The drive pulley has a first drive pulley channel and a second drive pulley channel. The tension pulley has a first tension pulley channel and a second tension pulley channel. The second tension pulley channel is aligned with the first drive pulley channel. The first drive pulley channel and the second drive pulley channel of the drive pulley and the first tension pulley channel and a second tension pulley channel of the tension pulley are configured and arranged to engage and route an endless looped member. The tension adjustment system is coupled to adjust the distance between the drive pulley and the tension pulley to adjust the tension in the endless looped member in relation to the drive pulley.

An apparatuses and methods to release a chain. Apparatuses and methods include an electronic, mechanical, or electro-mechanical actuator system used to rotate a hooking arm. The actuator system includes an extendable piston. In some embodiments, the actuator system is hydraulic. In other embodiments, the actuator system is pneumatic.

An assembly includes a motor; a second motor; a planetary transmission coupled to the motor and the second motor, and a spool coupled to the transmission. The spool has an interior volume for receiving the motor, the second motor and the transmission, and the motor and the second motor are disposed or disposable entirely within the spool. The motor and the second motor are capable of being operated such that one of the motors is speed controlled, and the other motor is torque controlled.

The invention relates to a fixing element for locking a hinged hand crank on the input shaft of a support winch for semi-trailers, wherein the hand crank is fastened to the input shaft in an articulated manner and can pivot between at least one folded-in rest position and at least one folded-out usage position. According to the invention, said fixing element has a fastening section for fastening to the hand crank and a spring bar connected to the fastening section on which at least one locking section is formed, wherein the locking section reaches over the end face of the input shaft in a form-fitting manner in a folded-out usage position of the hand crank and is simultaneously pulled against said end face of the input shaft.

A hoist spooling assembly for spooling a cable about a drum while preventing relative movement between the cable and the drum. The hoist spooling assembly evenly delivers force from a roller to the cable while reducing the incidence of spooling problems, including mechanical wear of the cable and formation of loops and kinks in the cable.

A load sensitive magnetic clutch device includes: a magnetic pole rotating body having magnetic poles arranged on the circumference thereof and provided with a clutch projection of a claw clutch at an end thereof; a yoke rotating body configured to rotate about an axial center of rotation identical to that of the magnetic pole rotating body; and a high-torque input member configured to rotate about the identical axial center of rotation and having a clutch engaging portion engaging the clutch projection. The clutch projection is formed of a magnetic body. The clutch engaging portion includes a clutch retaining magnetic body configured to attract the clutch projection by a magnetic force. The clutch projection is attracted by the clutch retaining magnetic body by an application of a load torque exceeding a torque which is transferrable between the magnetic pole rotating body and the yoke rotating body.

A manual marine winch includes a safety knockout override preventing release of winch tension without the handle in stowed position. The winch includes a housing; a rotating drum on the housing; a winch line on the drum; a control for spooling and un-spooling the winch line on the drum, wherein the control includes a handle for selectively tensioning the drum and moveable between a position engaged with the drum and a disengaged stowed position; a tension holding mechanism on the housing comprising a ratchet gear coupled to the drum, a pawl selectively engaged with the ratchet gear, and a knockout configures to selectively disengage the pawl from the gear to allow for release of winch tension; and a safety knockout override coupled to the housing and selectively engaged by the handle and configured to prevent release of winch tension when the handle is not in the stowed position.

An elevator sheave (20) includes a belt guiding surface (26) having a surface profile along at least a portion of the belt guiding surface. The surface profile preferably is defined by an nth order polynomial equation where n is a number greater than 2. In one example, the reference point (40) is a central point along the width of the belt guiding surface (26). In one example, a central portion (42) of the surface profile preferably is aligned to be generally parallel with the central axis (34) of the sheave body. Some examples have curvilinear side portions (44,46) between the central portion (42) and the edges (28,30) of the sheave. Other examples also include second side portions (48,50) that have linear profiles.

A dual-purpose hydraulic electric jack comprises a hydraulic lifting mechanism (1, 2), an oil pump (12), an oil tank (9), an oil conveying pipeline and an electric motor (14). The lifting mechanism, the oil pump and the oil tank are all connected with the oil conveying pipeline. A transmission mechanism is arranged between the oil pump and the electric motor. A one-way valve (10) is provided between the oil tank and the oil pump. The oil pump (12) is equipped on one end side of the electric motor (14), and an air pump (15) is equipped on the other end side of the electric motor (14). A transmission mechanism is arranged between the air pump and the electric motor. The air pump is communicated with an air conveying pipeline (35) and the electric motor is equipped with a trigger mechanism for controlling the connection of the electric motor with the transmission mechanism between the electric motor and the air pump or oil pump. The function of the hydraulic electric jack is enhanced greatly and the hydraulic electric jack is convenient to use.

A height adjusting device for a vehicle suspension seat includes: a control valve having an air injection pin and an air discharge pin formed therein; a first push support having one end rotatably coupled to the control valve and pressurizing the air injection pin when rotated in one direction; a second push support having one end rotatably coupled to the control vale, pressurizing the air discharge pin when rotated in one direction, and disposed to correspond to the first push support; a first push rod pressurizing the other end of the first push support so as to rotate the first push support; and a second push rod pressurizing the other end of the second push support so as to rotate the second push support, and disposed to correspond to the first push rod.

A load sensing transmission device in which when a rotation is transmitted to a sun gear, and planetary gears are rotated, if the rotation of an internally-toothed ring gear disposed at an outer circumference of the planetary gears is restricted in at least one direction, a decelerated rotation is output from a planetary carrier by revolution of the planetary gears. When the internally-toothed ring gear is rotated without being restricted, and simultaneously rotated together with the revolution of the planetary gears the rotation which is not decelerated is output from the planetary carrier. Existence and non-existence of the restriction of the rotation of the internally-toothed ring gear are switched by sensing a load by the load sensing mechanism and performing the engagement and disengagement by an engagement pawl. The rotation of the planetary carrier is output through a plate with slider, load springs, and a plate with cam.

Assembly and method for making up and/or caring for keratin material, the assembly containing: at least one composition containing platelet-shaped particles, at least one nonionic surfactant and/or at least one ionic surfactant and/or at least one polymeric surfactant, or at least one fatty-phase rheological agent, andat least one applicator having an application member and a vibrating source for making the application member vibrate.

A disposable sterile breakable vial includes a handle section and a vial section which are completely separable in response to a manually applied separation force. The vial section includes a sterile void dimensioned to contain a unit dose of a sterile therapeutic topical agent. An elongated member comprises a proximal portion supported by the handle section and a distal portion provided with a sterile applicator element, such as a brush. At least the applicator element is completely enclosed within the vial section with the applicator element immersed within the therapeutic topical agent. A hermetic seal between the handle and vial sections maintains sterility of at least the vial section prior to handle and vial section separation. Complete separation of the handle section and the vial section exposes the elongated member and the applicator element for topical application of the therapeutic agent saturating the applicator element.

A disposable mini-toothbrush comprises a brush and flosser head positioned at a first and second end of a handle portion. The brush head is comprised of a plurality of bristles that extend in opposite directions from a bristle supporting element. The plurality of bristles which extend in opposite directions facilitate cleaning of the upper and lower teeth without having to readjust grip by a user. The mini-toothbrush also comprises a first and second flat grip element to facilitate manipulation of the brush and flosser head while using only a thumb and at least one finger by the user. In its preferred embodiment, the plurality of bristles will be coated with dentifrice for cleaning is of the user's teeth and gums. A thin plastic cover surrounds and seals the toothbrush and provides a seal which maintains sterility during shipping and storage.