Patents Issued in February 4, 2016
  • Publication number: 20160029839
    Abstract: An apparatus that includes a breast rack to accommodate a breast side of a bird and a back rack to accommodate a back side of the bird is provided. In some embodiments, the breast rack includes breast-rack handles at each end of the breast rack that extend in an upward direction from the breast rack, and each breast-rack handle can include an attaching mechanism. In some embodiments, the back rack includes back-rack handles at each end of the back rack that extend in an upward direction from the back rack. In some embodiments, each back-rack handle includes a plurality of receiving mechanisms located at a plurality of different positions for receiving the attaching mechanism of the breast-rack handles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2015
    Publication date: February 4, 2016
    Inventor: Susan M. Wohld
  • Publication number: 20160029840
    Abstract: A charcoal grill includes a vessel configured to hold and burn charcoal for cooking food. The charcoal grill may include a receptacle moveable between a first position in which the receptacle is positioned for collecting ashes from charcoal burned in the vessel and a second position in which the receptacle is separated from the vessel for disposal of the collected ashes. Additionally, or alternatively, the vessel may define a passage extending from an exterior side of the vessel to an interior side of the vessel for permitting a starter device to be inserted into the passage for igniting charcoal within the vessel. Additionally, or alternatively, the charcoal grill may include a vent system including at least one vent opening extending through a portion of the vessel, a vent cover movable with respect to the vent opening between a closed position and an open position, and at least one calibration associated with the vent cover between the closed position and the open position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 1, 2015
    Publication date: February 4, 2016
    Inventors: Jon Scott WALTERS, Bryce G. RUTTER, Melvin Joshua LEEDLE, Jeffery F. FENG
  • Publication number: 20160029841
    Abstract: A raised edge grill grate is provided that includes an outer edge dowel that extends near a perimeter of the grill grate, a plurality of rods extending generally horizontally and generally parallel to one another and intersecting the outer edge dowel of the grill grate, the plurality of rods positioned such that there is sufficient space between the plurality of rods to support food and cooking vessels over a heating element, at least one raised edge dowel that extends near the outer edge dowel of the grill grate and is positioned a distance above the outer edge dowel to capture the food and the cooking vessels on the grill grate, a plurality of posts that extend generally vertically from the outer edge dowel and fixedly connect the outer edge dowel to the at least one raised edge dowel and wherein the at least one raised edge dowel extends partially around the perimeter of the grill grate to create an opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2015
    Publication date: February 4, 2016
    Inventor: Jeffrey D. Walker
  • Publication number: 20160029842
    Abstract: A grease containing assembly contains grease splatter and prevents spills when cooking with greasy foods. The assembly includes a container having a bottom wall and a perimeter wall coupled to and extending upwardly from the bottom wall. A lid is removably couplable to the container for securing the lid to the container. A pair of handles is coupled to the container. The handles are positioned on opposite ends of the perimeter wall. A pair of connectors is coupled to and extends from the lid. Each of the connectors is engageable with an associated one of the handles to secure the lid to the container. A tray is positionable in the interior space of the container. The tray has a plurality of openings positioned therein configured for draining grease from food items positioned on the tray.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2014
    Publication date: February 4, 2016
    Inventor: Kathy Taylor
  • Publication number: 20160029843
    Abstract: A mechanism is provided for dispensing oil into a cooking skillet having a sauce basin and a handle. The mechanism includes a bladder for containing the oil, and a trigger, both disposed within the handle. The bladder includes a tube that extends into the sauce basin to dispense oil therein. The trigger squeezes the bladder to inject the oil into the tube in response to grasping the handle by a hand. The bladder further includes a fill spout to add the oil into the bladder. Additionally, a self-oiling skillet for cooking is provided, including a sauce basin for cooking food on a stove, a handle attached to the sauce basin for enabling a hand to grasp, and the mechanism for dispensing oil into the sauce basin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2014
    Publication date: February 4, 2016
    Inventor: Joseph-Gerhard S. Thielman
  • Publication number: 20160029844
    Abstract: A system for food preparation, including a system body, a blade actuator retained by the system body; a set of blades; a blade platform rotatably mounting the set of blades, the blade platform pivotally connected along a first edge to the system body and operable between an engaged position and a disengaged position; and a container platform defining a container receptacle, the container platform pivotally connected along a first edge to the system body and operable between a loading position and a processing position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2015
    Publication date: February 4, 2016
    Inventors: Elvine Pineda, Matthew Udomphol, My Vu
  • Publication number: 20160029845
    Abstract: A cover positionable over a food item placed atop a cooking surface to provide downward pressure on the food item to facilitate achieving flush contact with the undersurface of the food item on the cooking surface below is disclosed. In an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, a sheet of chainmail is secured to a frame which is hingedly supported above a heatable cooking surface. A support which allows the cover of the present disclosure to be easily retrofit to an existing cooking device such as a griddle may be utilized to hingedly support the frame relative to the cooking device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2015
    Publication date: February 4, 2016
    Inventor: Gary Seitz
  • Publication number: 20160029846
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a beverage container containing a top and a bottom lid, wherein both lids possess opening means and to a beverage container cask wherein at least two of said containers are assembled.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Publication date: February 4, 2016
    Inventors: Christoph ZICKLER, Claire KARLE
  • Publication number: 20160029847
    Abstract: A disposable mixing system includes a lid having an opening and configured to hold contents within a container, a strainer configured to couple with the container and the lid in a position between the container and the lid, where the strainer mixes the contents responsive to shaking the container, and a cap configured to cover the opening of the lid, where at least the lid and the strainer are formed in a unified piece. The system may be manufactured from a single sheet of plastic using thermoforming. The strainer may use flat surfaces and large triangular orifices for efficient mixing and manufacture, while the lid may have a spout sized to prevent clogging and pressure build-up.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2015
    Publication date: February 4, 2016
    Inventor: Adam FRIEDMAN
  • Publication number: 20160029848
    Abstract: A handle device for a foldable electric kettle has an inserting mount and a rotating bar. The inserting mount has two connecting arms and a pivot jacket. The pivot jacket is formed on and protrudes from the inserting mount and has a first positioning hole, a rotating recess, a second positioning hole and a mounting recess. The rotating bar is rotatably connected to the inserting mount and has a grip, a switching shaft and a spring. The grip is rotatably inserted in the pivot jacket and has a switching hole and a holding slice. The switching shaft 22 movably mounted in the pivot jacket, is connected to the grip and has a first engaging block, a limiting element, a linking rod, a second engaging block and a pressing button. The spring is mounted in the mounting recess, is mounted around the second engaging block and abuts the pressing button.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2014
    Publication date: February 4, 2016
    Inventor: Ronald Tuan
  • Publication number: 20160029849
    Abstract: A food container which includes a bottle with a generally cylindrical body, a generally arcuate neck and an elongated pouch which can be formed into a donut-like shape to fit onto the bottle neck. Before it is filled, the elongated pouch is preferably formed in a generally rectangular shape of a light, clear plastic which is sealed at one end and open at the other end. Through the open end, the elongated pouch is filled with food. After the elongated pouch is filled, its open end is sealed. The elongated pouch is then formed into a donut-like shape by affixing its respective ends together using, for example, tape. The donut-like shaped pouch is then inserted onto the generally arcuate neck of the bottle which is filled with a different food product.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2015
    Publication date: February 4, 2016
    Inventor: William Hartley
  • Publication number: 20160029850
    Abstract: A catering box with active climate control is configured to transport “delicate” foods, such as grilled cheese sandwiches, hot dogs, and hamburgers, without inducing substantial sogginess in the bread of those food items. The catering box includes a heat mass configured to retain heat generated by a hot plate and to then radiate that heat, during transport, after the hot plate has been disconnected from a power source. In addition, the catering box includes an exhaust fan that actively controls internal specific humidity levels in order to prevent moisture from settling within the bread of stored food items. A microcontroller within the catering box monitors temperature and absolute humidity levels, computes the current specific humidity level, and then selectively engages or disengages the exhaust fan in response. With his approach, the catering box may limit the degree to which humidity settles within the bread of delicate food items stored within.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2015
    Publication date: February 4, 2016
    Inventors: Michael PAVEL, Jonathan KAPLAN, Will TAMMEN, Michael J. STRASSER, Kyle LAMSON, Curtis CHOW, Carrie EATON
  • Publication number: 20160029851
    Abstract: A countertop device and related methods of use in food preparation for rotatably coupling a kitchen utensil to an anchored retention member. The countertop device can include a kitchen utensil having a manipulation end and a retaining end. The retention member can have a retention body defining a suction cup on a mounting surface. The retention member can be anchored to a flat surface using the suction cup. A retaining ball and socket mount can be utilized to rotatably attach the kitchen utensil to the retention member. The kitchen utensil can include a manipulation member and a mounting member capable of positioning a food item there between.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2014
    Publication date: February 4, 2016
    Inventor: Michael R. Berge
  • Publication number: 20160029852
    Abstract: A lid holding device for supporting a pot lid off of a countertop while cooking in order to prevent creating a mess thereon. The lid holding device includes a pair of elongated rods, wherein each elongated rod is preferably configured as a J-shape. The elongated rods are parallel to one another and include a first end and a second end. The first ends are angled upwards and able to receive an inverted lid thereon so as to allow a user to avoid having to place the lid on a countertop. The lid holding device further includes a single mount having a pair of channels disposed thereon. The second end of the elongated rods are disposed within the channels in order to maintain a parallel position. The device can be secured to a support surface by inserting a fastener through the support surface and into the upper side of the mount.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2015
    Publication date: February 4, 2016
    Inventor: Kenneth Ljung
  • Publication number: 20160029853
    Abstract: Providing an easy to install shower tray and drain assembly. The tray comprises a stepped upper surface and a receptor having at least one step for receiving the drain assembly. In certain embodiments, the drain assembly comprises a cup for securing the drain assembly to the receptor and to a drainage pipe, a clamping flange for securing a waterproof floor covering between itself and the cup, at least one seal for providing a watertight seal between the clamping flange and cup. The drain assembly may further comprise a grate, a grate retainer, and an adjuster for adjustably securing the grate retainer to the clamping flange.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Publication date: February 4, 2016
    Inventor: Gary R. PHILLIPS
  • Publication number: 20160029854
    Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided to reduce cross-talk between multiple capacitive sensors used in an electronic toilet and between multiple capacitive sensors used in an electronic faucet and an electronic soap dispenser.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2015
    Publication date: February 4, 2016
    Inventors: Michael J. Veros, Joel D. Sawaski, Randy Schneider
  • Publication number: 20160029855
    Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of vented refill units and dispensers having vented refill units are disclosed herein. An exemplary refill unit includes a non-collapsing inverted container. The container has a neck located at the bottom of the container. A pump is secured to the neck. The pump has a housing that has a cylindrical outside surface. In addition, the housing has an attachment mechanism for attaching the pump to a venting insert. The venting insert has a cylindrical inside surface and a cylindrical outside surface. At least a portion of the venting insert is located within the neck. An air passage is located between the pump housing and the cylindrical inside surface of the venting insert. One or more apertures are located through the venting insert. A one-way air inlet valve is located proximate the one or more apertures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2015
    Publication date: February 4, 2016
    Inventors: Donald R. Harris, Aaron D. Marshall, Nick E. Ciavarella
  • Publication number: 20160029856
    Abstract: A cleanroom wipe dispenser is provided. The cleanroom wipe dispenser may include a housing forming a compartment for removably storing a plurality of cleanroom wipes. The plurality of cleanroom wipes may be uniquely folded so that they are not interfolded so as not to abrade the adjacent cleanroom wipe when being dispensed, thereby eliminating cross contamination of cleanroom wipes. A bottom wall of the housing may define a generally elongated elliptical dispensing opening adapted to limit access to the plurality of cleanroom wipes so as to prevent wasteful usage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2014
    Publication date: February 4, 2016
    Inventor: Claudio OREFICE
  • Publication number: 20160029857
    Abstract: A dispenser is disclosed that includes a housing defining an interior volume for receiving a stack of sheet products, an actuator, a dispensing member, a roller, and a support structure for engaging a front face of the stack including opposed shelves for supporting opposed sides of the front face. The actuator is operable by a user to activate a dispensing member to dispense a desired number of sheet products. The actuator includes two or more user interfaces that a user can actuate to transmit to the dispensing member an amount of movement corresponding to different numbers of sheet products being dispensed depending upon which of the user interfaces is actuated. The roller is located between the opposed shelves and engages and grips on the front face of the stack.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2013
    Publication date: February 4, 2016
    Applicant: SCA Hygiene Products AB
    Inventors: Matthew T. WOERPEL, Edward A. RALEIGH, Jeffrey J. BRICKL, Christina M. MILLER
  • Publication number: 20160029858
    Abstract: The embodiments herein provide a portable vehicular adult and child potty seat with ease-of-excretion enhancement during a journey. The adult and child potty seats are removable in nature with detachable components comprising the automatic lid, the cushioned commode seater, the automatic flush, the liquid storage tank, the drain module and the disposable collecting bag. Thus each component is cleansed and reassembled to enhance longevity of the components. Also, during a failure or breakage or wearing of specific component, only the failed components are replaced with the new one resulting easy and cost effective maintenance. Further, the present invention provides an assembly of the potty seat that is easily installed within the vehicle seat to enhance an ease-of-use feature during an excretion emergency.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2015
    Publication date: February 4, 2016
    Inventor: Danisha Lashune Taylor
  • Publication number: 20160029859
    Abstract: A cleaning device is provided that has a handle configured to provide flexion in a first orientation but to provide rigidity in a second orientation. In this manner, the user can use the handle in the first orientation to allow the cleaning device to flex into hard to reach places and can use the same handle in the second orientation to apply differing levels of cleaning force.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2015
    Publication date: February 4, 2016
    Inventors: William Harrington, John A. Triunfo, Robert F. Smith
  • Publication number: 20160029860
    Abstract: A toilet seat and method for supporting an individual atop a toilet is disclosed. The toilet seat may be configured with a first portion generally for supporting skeletal structure of an individual and a second portion generally for supporting lateral fat of the individual. The second portion may be configured to extend outwardly from the first portion generally between the back and the front of the toilet bowl. The second portion is cantilevered outward relative to the toilet bowl. The moment of pressure between the first portion and a forward portion of the individual's legs remains unchanged by approximating the second portion relative to the front end of the toilet bowl to not inhibit the individual from being able to lean forward and stand from a seated position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2015
    Publication date: February 4, 2016
    Inventor: William Pordy, MD
  • Publication number: 20160029861
    Abstract: The invention provides a method and apparatus for mounting a toilet seat to a toilet pan, the characteristic feature being that, in addition to being clamped to the pan in the conventional manner, the seat hinge is adhered to the pan to prevent sliding movement of the hinge relative to the pan.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2014
    Publication date: February 4, 2016
    Applicant: Croydex Limited
    Inventors: Peter James Harold Pegden, Paul Edward Wills
  • Publication number: 20160029862
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the technical field of manufacturing of small appliances, and relates to a glass-wiping robot. The glass-wiping robot comprises a robot main body (1), a power cord (4) and a safety buckle (3). The power cord (4) is connected to the robot main body (1), and winds onto the safety buckle (3). The safety buckle (3) is provided thereon with a suction cup (2). The safety buckle (3) sucks on a glass via the suction cup (2). The glass-wiping robot of the present invention provides double protection and improved safety effects when the robot main body inadvertently falls off the window, allows for convenient fixing or moving of the safety buckle, and is convenient to carry.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2013
    Publication date: February 4, 2016
    Inventor: Xiaoming Lv
  • Publication number: 20160029863
    Abstract: A blowing machine has a main machine where the main machine includes a housing, a motor and a fan with the housing having a main machine air channel in which the motor and the fan are at least partially accommodated. An airflow guiding assembly is attachable to the housing and has an air duct for guiding the airflow and an airflow guiding member for guiding a part of the airflow in the air duct to flow in a direction deflecting from the first axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2015
    Publication date: February 4, 2016
    Inventors: Jianpeng Guo, Fangjie Nie, Xiandian Shao, Toshinari Yamaoka
  • Publication number: 20160029864
    Abstract: A cleaner includes a main body, a dust collection unit coupled with the main body at a part of the main body, and including a rotating shaft installing part, a connection member configured to connect the dust collection unit to the main body, and rotatably installed in the dust collection unit, an insertion part formed in the main body such that at least one part of the connection member is inserted into the insertion part, and a connection rotating shaft rotatably rested on the rotating shaft installing part such that the connection rotating shaft becomes a center of rotation of the connection member, the connection rotating shaft configured to move relatively along the rotating shaft installing part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2015
    Publication date: February 4, 2016
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Jong Gook LIM, Jin Ho Lee, Kyong Hui Jeon
  • Publication number: 20160029865
    Abstract: A robot cleaner includes a body; a driving unit; at least one sensor configured to detect an obstacle; a cleaning unit, the cleaning unit including a brush unit and a fan unit; a dust box to store dust inside of the dust box, the dust box being detachably mounted to the body; and a dust sensing unit including a light emitting unit to transmit light and a light receiving sensor to sense the light transmitted by the light emitting unit, the light emitting unit and the light receiving sensor being fixed on the body and outside of the dust box, and the light emitting unit being configured to transmit light through the inside of the dust box. The driving unit, the at least one sensor, the cleaning unit, the dust box, and the dust sensing unit are positioned on or in the body of the robot cleaner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2015
    Publication date: February 4, 2016
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hyun Soo JUNG, Dong Won KIM, Jun Hwa LEE
  • Publication number: 20160029866
    Abstract: A dusting device to be rotatably connected to the bottom of a cleaning machine or vacuum cleaner includes a rotary disc and a dusting element. The rotary disc includes a base and a connecting portion below the base. The connecting portion extends outward from the periphery of the base and has a bottom surface forming a pressing plate. The dusting element is detachably assembled to the connecting portion of the rotary disc in order to be pressed by the pressing plate. The dusting element includes at least one cleaning layer for contact with a surface to be cleaned so as to carry out dusting and cleaning.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2015
    Publication date: February 4, 2016
    Inventors: YA-Ching YANG, Yi-Jun Pan, Pai-Yung Lin
  • Publication number: 20160029867
    Abstract: The Ceiling Debris Collection Bin is a receptacle with a wide opening that facilitates the nearly complete collection of acoustic ceiling debris removed by the Popcorn Ceiling Scraper—U.S. Pat. No. 6,101,663. The makers this Scraper recommend use of a plastic trash bag for collection of debris but a trash bag is not efficient enough, being limited to an opening defined by the scraper's flexible band. The new Ceiling Debris Collection Bin is very efficient owing to the flared side design. Debris that flies all over and might escape collection by a trash bag would be captured by this uniquely designed Ceiling Debris Collection Bin with nearly three times the collection area. The collapsible wings of the bin accommodate the flexible metal band of the Popcorn Ceiling Scraper, so that the Scraper can be pushed up to where the ceiling meets the wall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2014
    Publication date: February 4, 2016
    Inventor: Gregory John Brown
  • Publication number: 20160029868
    Abstract: A wringer has a support surface and a first wringer surface depending from the support surface to a second wringer surface having perforations and curving to a free edge substantially below the support surface. The second wringer surface may be curved in an approximately 180 degree arc. The first wringer surface may be flat and also perforated. The support surface may be formed as an inverted channel structure with a closed upper surface and an angled surface extending away from the first wringer surface. The angled surface may extend at an angle approximately 45 degrees. The wringer may be used with one or more buckets, where the wringer is supported from the rim of one bucket or from the adjacent rims of two buckets. A flat first wringer surface may be used to ring a flat mop, and the curved second wringer surface may be used to bring a round mop.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2014
    Publication date: February 4, 2016
    Applicant: Micronova Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: Phillip LeCompte, C. Travis Hunsucker
  • Publication number: 20160029869
    Abstract: An automatic dishwasher, having a wash cycle and a drying cycle, includes an openable and closeable washing chamber, at least one spray apparatus inside the washing chamber, and a vacuum pump in fluid communication with the washing chamber. The washing chamber has an interior configured to contain articles to be washed, and is configured to withstand vacuum pressure when closed. The at least one spray apparatus is configured to spray a cleaning fluid upon the articles to be washed during the wash cycle. The vacuum pump is configured to evacuate the interior of the washing chamber to a selected vacuum pressure level during at least a portion of the drying cycle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2015
    Publication date: February 4, 2016
    Inventor: DAVID R. MCKINNEY
  • Publication number: 20160029870
    Abstract: The invention provides a dish-washing apparatus that includes a washing basin in which juxtaposed, upwardly extending, rotating cleaning members are disposed. Dishes are inserted between and contact the juxtaposed cleaning members for cleaning.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 11, 2014
    Publication date: February 4, 2016
    Inventor: Gyung Hee Haan
  • Publication number: 20160029871
    Abstract: A sealing apparatus seals between a pump chamber and a bottom surface of a washing tank of a dishwasher. The sealing apparatus includes a packing member disposed along a top portion of the pump chamber and a protecting member which fixes some portion of the packing member to the pump chamber to prevent the packing member from moving when the bottom surface of the washing tank and the pump chamber are coupled to each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2015
    Publication date: February 4, 2016
    Inventor: Jin-doo Kim
  • Publication number: 20160029872
    Abstract: A dishwasher is provided. The dishwasher includes a main body including a washing chamber and an input port for inputting dishes into the washing chamber; a door configured to hinge-connect at one end to the main body and open and close the washing chamber; and a door opening apparatus installed in the main body configured to open the door, wherein the door opening apparatus includes a thermally driven actuator configured to thermally expand and contract to make a plunger protrude, a movable member configured to linearly reciprocate when supplied with power from the thermally driven actuator, and a push portion configured to push the door so as to open the input port when supplied with power form the movable member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2015
    Publication date: February 4, 2016
    Inventor: Jin-doo Kim
  • Publication number: 20160029873
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a balancing system (50) that exerts force with different values to a door during the opening-closing stages and the household appliance (100) wherein the same is used. The different force values during opening/closing are obtained by the cable (3) in the balancing system (50) rubbing against the sections (9, 10) of the first spool (5) with different physical properties.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2014
    Publication date: February 4, 2016
    Inventors: Ali Egemen UCAR, Uygar UNVERDI
  • Publication number: 20160029874
    Abstract: An endoscope which is configured to be connected to an external processing device includes: an insertion part; a distal end part including an imaging unit configured to generate image information and an E/O converter configured to convert the image information into an optical signal and to output the converted optical signal; a connector part including an O/E converter configured to convert the optical signal into an electric signal, a first output unit configured to convert the electric signal into serial data and to output the converted serial data to the processing device, a second output unit configured to convert the electric signal into an optical signal and to output the converted optical signal to the processing device, and a selector configured to select one of the first output unit and the second output unit; and an optical fiber connecting the E/O converter to the O/E converter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2015
    Publication date: February 4, 2016
    Applicant: OLYMPUS CORPORATION
    Inventor: Hiroyuki USAMI
  • Publication number: 20160029875
    Abstract: A treatment tool for an endoscope includes: a distal end member attached to a distal end of an endoscope; a treatment part; a tube that is arranged in an axis direction of the endoscope and has a lumen formed therein; an insertion part that is inserted into the lumen and has a distal end to which the treatment part is fixed; a connecting member that connects the tube and the distal end member; a first pivot that couples the connecting member and the tube; and a second pivot that couples the connecting member and the distal end member. The second pivot is provided at a position at which the connecting member is capable of rotating such that the first pivot is moved from a position at a proximal end side relative to the second pivot to a position at a distal end side.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2015
    Publication date: February 4, 2016
    Inventor: Tsutomu OKADA
  • Publication number: 20160029876
    Abstract: A surgical device, an outer tube, an endoscope, and a treatment tool that have a simple configuration and excellent operability are provided. The outer tube includes a slider in an outer tube body. When the endoscope and the treatment tool are inserted into the outer tube, the endoscope and treatment tool are held by an endoscope holding part and a treatment tool holding part each being provided in the slider so as to be integrated. When the treatment tool is moved in the axial direction, the endoscope is moved in the axial direction in interlock with the movement. In the outer tube, the opening type hermetic valve part for the endoscope in a valve member has the inner diameter larger than the inner diameter of the elastic member for causing the endoscope holding part to hold the endoscope.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2015
    Publication date: February 4, 2016
    Inventors: TAKUMI DEJIMA, MASAYUKI IWASAKA
  • Publication number: 20160029877
    Abstract: A medical scope attachment device and system includes one or more expandable rings, each having a resilient main body and an inside diameter defining a central opening that corresponds to a dimension of a medical scope. One or more sets of opposing magnetic elements are disposed within each of the rings. The system also includes a ring attachment device having a shelf that is interposed between a pair of opposing electromagnets. The ring attachment device functioning to transition the expandable rings between an expanded and non-expanded state to receive an existing medical scope.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2015
    Publication date: February 4, 2016
    Inventor: CHRISTOPHER MURPHY
  • Publication number: 20160029878
    Abstract: An endoscope includes an insertion part in which a rigid distal end part, a bending part, and a flexible tube part are provided; an operating part having a bending operation mechanism; an operating wire; a wire guide pipe; and a sleeve of which the inside is formed in a hollow tubular shape along an axial direction parallel to a longitudinal axis of the insertion part and which is externally fitted to and hold a distal end part of the operating wire or the wire guide pipe. The sleeve includes a slit that is formed by cutting out a partition wall of the insertion part. An opening width of the slit in a circumferential direction perpendicular to the axial direction is made to be smaller than an external diameter of the distal end part of the operating wire inserted through the sleeve or the wire guide pipe.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2015
    Publication date: February 4, 2016
    Inventors: Masayuki YAMAZAKI, Kenji YAMANE, Tomoya SUZUKI
  • Publication number: 20160029879
    Abstract: An image pickup unit for an endoscope includes: an image pickup device including a plurality of connection terminal portions arrayed on a back face that is a surface opposite to a light-receiving surface; a planar rigid printed wiring board including a substrate connection portion and an electric cable connection portion; a flexible printed wiring board including a fixation portion connected to the image pickup device and the rigid printed wiring board, an extension portion extending from an outer periphery of the fixation portion, and a flexed portion provided at a boundary between the fixation portion and the extension portion; an electric cable connected to the electric cable connection portion of the rigid printed wiring board; and an electronic component mounted on the extension portion of the flexible printed wiring board.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2015
    Publication date: February 4, 2016
    Applicant: OLYMPUS CORPORATION
    Inventor: Shinya ISHIKAWA
  • Publication number: 20160029880
    Abstract: A cystoscope device and method for operating and using same are disclosed. The cystoscope comprises a sheath and a bridge removably connected thereto. The bridge includes an offset lens assembly including an upper eyepiece; a light source, and a fiber optic connected to a light source. The lens or eyepiece enables observation within a urological organ while contemporaneously conducting a urological procedure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2015
    Publication date: February 4, 2016
    Inventor: Anil Kumar
  • Publication number: 20160029881
    Abstract: A device for cleaning a lens is disclosed. The device includes a shaft, a head having multiple prongs, a cleaning material disposed between the prongs, and a handle extending from the shaft. The handle has an actuator in communication with the prongs to move the prongs from a collapsed state to an expanded state. Also disclosed is a cartridge for use with the device. The cartridge includes a cartridge head configured for removable attachment to the device, two or more prongs, and a wipe. The head has a fixed pivot pin and a slide pin movable by the actuator. Each prong has a pivot aperture configured to engage with the pivot pin and a slot aperture configured to engage with the slide pin such that the corresponding prong will be urged to rotate about the pivot pin when the slide pin is moved by the actuator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Publication date: February 4, 2016
    Inventors: Khurshid GURU, Ashirwad CHOWRIAPPA
  • Publication number: 20160029882
    Abstract: A vaginal speculum comprising a supporting base oriented generally vertically. A blade extends from the base and the angle between the blade and the base is adjustable. A locking system has an unlocked position allowing the blade to be angularly moved with respect to the base and a locked position retaining the blade at that desired angle. The vaginal speculum may also have two blades, a posterior blade having the angular adjustment and an anterior blade adjustably affixed to the base such that the space between the blades may be selectively adjusted by the physician. One or both of the blades may have a plastic sleeves slidably affixed thereto. Preferably, there is a plurality of sleeves of different lengths and/or widths that can be selected and attached to the blades depending on the particular patient. That selection can be made from a kit readily available to the physician.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2014
    Publication date: February 4, 2016
    Inventor: Bruce K. Young
  • Publication number: 20160029883
    Abstract: Method, system and apparatus for calibrating an eye tracker comprising presenting a subject with a visual target. Detemiining a physical arrangement in space of the subject. Obtaining an eye measurement of the subject. Storing a record of the subject's physical arrangement in space and data derived from the eye measurement of the subject, associated with the visual target presented to the subject. Repeating for one or more further different visual targets.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2014
    Publication date: February 4, 2016
    Inventor: John Stephen Cox
  • Publication number: 20160029884
    Abstract: A method, a system, and an information handling system dynamically provide individualized dynamic digital display correction for users of an electronic device. An information handling system detects a login of a first user profile that is associated with a first user. The information handling system then determines whether the first user profile has an associated first vision profile. In response to the first user profile having an associated first vision profile, a vision correction value associated with the first user is identified and a first change in image characteristics which may be applied to a graphical user interface (GUI) in order to achieve the vision correction value is calculated. A size of the display of the information handling system is detected and the first change in image characteristics is further adjusted based on this size before the adjusted image characteristic in image characteristics is applied.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2014
    Publication date: February 4, 2016
    Applicant: DELL PRODUCTS, L.P.
    Inventor: SINEM KOCKAN
  • Publication number: 20160029885
    Abstract: An image refractor, system and method are designed to improve refraction tests by allowing an examinee to compare, by viewing through at least one eye, at least two disparate images of the same acuity target, substantially side-by-side and simultaneously. The image refractor incorporates at least two prisms through which the acuity target is viewed. Embodiments may be attached to a standard phoropter and rotated into the visual axis so that the at least two images are produced by a combination of the lenses in the phoropter and the superimposed lenses of the image refractor. Embodiments determine the optimum correction for the sphere, cylinder, and axis of the refraction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2013
    Publication date: February 4, 2016
    Applicant: SIRSVISION, LLC
    Inventors: Bruce J. HOOF, Bruce M. SHIELDS
  • Publication number: 20160029886
    Abstract: An optical coherence tomography apparatus includes: a scanning unit configured to scan a test substance with measurement light; an OCT optical system configured to detect an A scan signal caused by interference between the measurement light and reference light corresponding to the measurement light; and a processor configured to: acquire three-dimensional OCT data in which the A scan signals at respective scanning positions at the test substance are arranged in a two-dimensional manner; acquire a histogram of the A scan signals at the respective scanning positions; and generate an OCT front image by processing the acquired three-dimensional OCT data based on the acquired histogram.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2015
    Publication date: February 4, 2016
    Inventors: Ryosuke SHIBA, Tetsuya KANOU, Norimasa SATAKE
  • Publication number: 20160029887
    Abstract: An eye imaging apparatus can include a housing, an optical imaging system in the housing, and a light source in the housing to illuminate an eye. The optical imaging system can include an optical window at a front end of the housing with a concave front surface for receiving the eye as well as an imaging lens disposed rearward the optical window. The apparatus can comprise a light conditioning element configured to receive light from the light source and direct said light to the eye. The apparatus can further include an image sensor in the housing disposed to receive an image of the eye from the optical imaging system. In various embodiments, light conditioning element includes at least one multi-segment surface. In some embodiments, the housing is provided with at least one hermitic seal, for example, with the optical window. In some embodiments, time sequential illumination is employed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2015
    Publication date: February 4, 2016
    Inventor: Wei SU
  • Publication number: 20160029888
    Abstract: An applanation tonometer for providing a measurement of intraocular fluid pressure inside the eye of a patient. The applanation tonometer includes a light-transmitting prism having a cornea contact tip at one end and a cornea alignment aid at the opposite end. The cornea alignment aid enables the patient to advise a vision professional when a light source of the tonometer is properly aligned with his cornea so that intraocular fluid pressure can be accurately measured. A light-blocking baffle is located at the opposite end of the prism, and a thin light-transmitting channel is formed through the baffle to lie on the longitudinal axis of the prism. In a preferred embodiment, the light baffle is at least one opaque disk, and the light-transmitting channel is a clear spot at the center of the opaque disk through which light is transmitted to the patient's cornea.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2014
    Publication date: February 4, 2016
    Inventors: John M. Maggiano, Steven E. Maurath