Abstract: A modular herb grinder. The grinder may include cooperating grinding modules that define a chamber for grinding herbs or the like. The grinder may also include one or more integrated tools related to smoking and/or preparing an apparatus for smoking.

Abstract: A salad spinner includes an outer bowl configured to hold an inner basket. The bowl and basket are each configured with a central post supported by a base structure having a pillar and a piston. A helical screw positioned within the pillar engages a drive shaft within the piston in order to rotate the drive shaft as the piston moves upward and downward with respect to the pillar. A spring biases the piston in the upward position to enable reciprocal telescoping movement.

Abstract: Disclosed is a food wash sensor system that includes a sensor disposed along a fluid flow path that can circulate a wash fluid through the food wash sensor system. The sensor can detect a concentration of an analyte in the wash fluid. The system also includes a reference fluid reservoir including a reference fluid, the reference fluid including a predetermined concentration of the analyte in solution, a delivery system fluidly coupled to the fluid flow path and operable to supply the reference fluid to the fluid flow path upstream from the sensor while maintaining the sensor in place along the fluid flow path, and a control and monitoring system configured to receive a signal from the sensor, the signal indicating the concentration of the analyte in the reference fluid at a first time, and control calibrating the sensor and validating the sensor over time based on the received signal.

Abstract: A soap holding cleaning cloth with soap holding pockets located thereon. The cleaning cloth further comprises a top layer overlying a bottom layer of absorbent fabric with a compartment formed there between. The compartment segmented into adjacent pockets for holding various soap elements. Each pocket has an opening that allows the user to place a bar of soap into the cloth. The opening of each pocket has a fastener to close the pocket, so that the soap bar remains inside the cloth.

Abstract: A skin cleaning device including: a tube; an exfoliating pad attached to the tube at a first end of the tube; and a cleaning solution within the tube. A distal end of the tube allows for the dispensing of the cleaning solution, which may be in the form of a gel or a liquid.

Abstract: A combined baby wipe and toilet paper holder includes a base, an upstanding pole or rod and a receptacle for removably stowing a plurality of baby wipes or similar stowable product therewithin. The receptacle may be an open structure or may be defined by an enclosure having a hingeably rotatable lid with an access portal or slit formed therewithin to permit access to any stowable product contained therewithin. A liner may be removably seated within the receptacle. The toilet paper holder includes a pair of opposed arms, each having inwardly directed fingers with sufficient flexibility to enable the fingers to be separated to removably mount a roll of toilet paper thereon.

Abstract: A portable urinal system including a handheld urinal and a reservoir. The handheld urinal has a neck assembly, with a user operated neck valve assembly permitting urine to flow through the neck assembly, and a urinal cup coupled to the neck assembly so that upon use of the urinal and operation of the neck valve assembly by the user, urine flows through the neck assembly into the urinal cup. The reservoir has a larger volume than the urinal cup and includes a lid assembly with a substantially rigid spout assembly and a reservoir cup. Urine is transferred from the urinal to the reservoir when the user couples the urinal cup to the spout assembly and opens the spout assembly such that urine collected in the urinal cup drains into the reservoir cup.

Abstract: A hinge pin for pivotally mounting at least one of a toilet seat and a lid to a toilet or surrounding structure comprises a first hinge pin component, a second hinge pin component a linking member and fasteners. The first hinge pin component and the second hinge pin component each has a cylindrical outer end, a semicylindrical inner end with a flat joining surface and a shoulder between the outer end and the inner end. The linking member is semicylindrical and has a flat linking surface dimensioned to link the first hinge pin component and the second hinge component when they are axially aligned with their inner ends facing each other and the linking surface is in contact with each joining surface and secured by the fasteners. The assembled linking member and first and second hinge components define a center section of the hinge pin having a circular cross section.

Abstract: Autonomous planar surface cleaning robots are disclosed. The robot includes a main body having a bottom portion defining an outer portion defining a surface area about a perimeter thereof and an inner portion defining a cavity formed within the outer portion. The main body supports a driving mechanism, a vacuum source, a vacuum sensor, and a control unit. The vacuum source, cavity, and vacuum sensor are in fluid communication. The control unit is electrically coupled to the driving mechanism, the vacuum source, and the vacuum sensor, and is configured to control the robot to turn direction when the control unit receives a signal from the vacuum sensor indicating that a degree of vacuum pressure within the cavity is below a predetermined vacuum pressure. Also disclosed is robot that includes multiple vacuum sources. Also disclosed is an apparatus that includes a connector pole.

Abstract: A vacuum producing suction and air blowing simultaneously at a same surface of the device, is disclosed here in. A pump and compressor work simultaneously to both blow and suck air through a dual-line hose. A pressure gradient is created between the surface of the device and a surface being cleaned, due to high pressure being created by the air blowing, and low pressure being created by the air sucking. This causes dust, dirt, and the like to be pulled from the surface being cleaned and sucked in a suction portal, and into a suction line of the dual-line hose. This can be accomplished with a central vacuum system or standalone vacuum.

Abstract: A dust collector for a vacuum cleaner disclosed herein includes a first cyclone that is configured to separate dust from air introduced from a lower portion thereof with containing foreign materials and discharge the separated dust into a first dust storing unit, a second cyclone that is configured to separate fine dust from the air, from which the dust has been separated by the first cyclone, and discharge the separated fine dust into a second dust storing unit defined in a second case, and a lower cover that is coupled to the first case by a hinge so as to define a bottom surface of the first dust storing unit, the second dust storing unit and the first cyclone upon being closed, and discharge therethrough the foreign materials collected in the first dust storing unit, the second dust storing unit and the first cyclone upon being open.

Abstract: A dust collector for a vacuum cleaner disclosed herein includes a first cyclone to separate dust from air introduced from a lower portion thereof with containing foreign materials and discharge the separated dust into a first dust storing unit, a second cyclone configured to separate fine dust from the air, from which the dust has been separated by the first cyclone, and discharge the separated fine dust, a second dust storing unit that is provided in the first cyclone, and located in a second case to collect therein the fine dust discharged from the second cyclone, and a lower cover to define a bottom surface of the first dust storing unit, the second dust storing unit and the first cyclone upon being closed, and discharge therethrough the foreign materials collected in the first dust storing unit, the second dust storing unit and the first cyclone upon being open.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner having a vacuum cleaner housing, a suction nozzle, a motor configured to generate a suction force through the suction nozzle, a motor housing at least partially enclosing the motor and coupled to the vacuum cleaner housing, and a dirt collection assembly removably coupled to the vacuum cleaner housing. The dirt collection assembly includes a dirt cup, a handle for removing the dirt collection assembly, and a motor shroud at least partially enclosing the motor housing.

Abstract: Embodiments include a vacuum head portion and a combined suction and blowing mechanism configured to agitate and remove debris. A set of powered fans provide an external pressured air source to provide pressured air for the blowing mechanism. The vacuum head portion may include blowing and suction nozzles arranged with the blowing nozzles flanking the suction nozzles. The set of powered fans may be driven an electric motor or via air turbines disposed in an air stream of the suction nozzles. The blowing nozzles may be in parallel rows adjacent to the suction nozzles. The blowing mechanism may be operated to act as a suction device by reversing the rotational direction of the set of powered fans via a switching mechanism to create a negative pressure or suction to assist the suction nozzles. The vacuum head portion may be formed as a removable detachment to the vacuum cleaner.

Abstract: A self-propelled, dust-collecting robot includes a chassis, an electric motor supported by the chassis, and first and second rechargeable battery packs disposed inside the chassis for supplying current to the electric motor. First and second castors are respectively disposed immediately underneath the first and second battery packs. Each of the battery packs has a pair of rails that respectively slide into and engage with complementary guide rails coupled to the chassis. A dust-collection box is removably disposed within the chassis. A dust-collection motor rotates a suction fan that is in fluid communication with the dust-collection box. At least one rotatable brush sweeps dust towards a suction port in fluid communication with the dust-collection box.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner includes: a cleaner main body including a suction motor for generating a suction force; a suction unit that is in communication with the cleaner main body and sucks air and dust; a battery that supplies power to the suction motor; a battery management system (BMS) that detects a status of the battery; and a controller that controls an operation of the suction motor, wherein, if a voltage of the battery detected by the BMS reaches a reference voltage, the controller stops the suction motor, and the reference voltage is changeable.

Abstract: A floor treatment apparatus is provided that includes a chassis that supports at least one cleaning element. The chassis is supported by a plurality of wheels, one which is steerable via a steering wheel interconnected to a housing also associated with the chassis. The chassis provided includes a plurality of movable housing members, one of which is associated with the steering wheel. To access the internal components of the floor treatment apparatus, the front housing is rotated or moved away from the other housings wherein the steering wheel does not require disconnection to allow this movement.

Abstract: A steam generator for a surface cleaning apparatus is described. The steam generator includes: a first chamber for generating steam and collecting scale; a water inlet disposed proximate a first end of the first chamber; a heater in thermal contact with the first chamber; a second chamber housed within the first chamber and in fluid communication with the first chamber; and a steam outlet for releasing steam and in fluid communication with the second chamber, wherein the steam outlet is disposed distal to the first end of the first chamber.

Abstract: A cleaning tool for use in removing food residue from barbecue grill-grates and grill housings. The design utilizes two scraping edges that are highly effective due to the angle at which the tool is oriented to the horizontal grill-grate. The scraping end of the tool is hereinafter referred to as the “Tip” and the bottom end of the tool is hereinafter referred to as the “Base”. The base has a garden-hose adapter incorporated into the tool so that char residue may be rinsed off as the grill grate or housing is being scraped. The “Tip”, being the working end of the tool, is milled by a CNC (computer numerical control) machine. A “V” shaped notch is cut out to form the top of the tip. A ?? diameter semi-circular groove is milled to form the bottom of the “Tip”. The tool is utilized by contacting the tip of the tool at roughly a 45° angle to the grill-bar. From this orientation, the tool is pushed forward to remove char/food residue from grill bar.

Abstract: A squeegee device is provided that includes a blade support and a deflector. The blade support has a front support and a rear support, which are configured to secure a squeegee blade therebetween. The deflector has a lower portion and an upper portion, which are configured so that the lower portion of the deflector depends upward from the blade support and a leading edge of the upper portion is forward, with respect to a pushing direction, from the blade support.

Abstract: A dishwasher with an integrated closure element, such as a pivoting door or sliding drawer front, having a metallic front panel extending from an upper edge to a lower edge of the closure element includes a user interface located on an upper face of the closure element such that when the closure element is in a closed position, the user interface faces upwardly and is inaccessible to a user. A radio system for the dishwasher includes an upwardly facing antenna located on the closure element adjacent the user interface.

Abstract: A dishwasher for treating dishes according to at least one cycle of operation and methods for operating a dishwasher. The dishwasher may have a tub at least partially defining a treating chamber, a rotatable sprayer, a drive system operably coupled to the rotatable sprayer to effect movement of the rotatable sprayer, and a liquid recirculation system for recirculating sprayed liquid. The dishwasher may have a sump including a sensor enclosure, a first sensor element located within the sensor enclosure and configured to sense at least a portion of the rotatable sprayer, and a controller configured to receive output from the first sensor element and control the drive system and the liquid recirculation system to rotate the rotatable sprayer while selectively supplying liquid to the rotatable sprayer.

Abstract: A dishwasher for treating dishes according to at least one automatic cycle of operation comprises a tub at least partially defining a treating chamber, a chassis supporting the tub and defining a space below the tub a junction box located within the space. The junction box includes a base and a cover configured to receive an electrical connection for the dishwasher.

Abstract: A method of reducing residue left on an article of dishware. The method includes the steps of: providing an article of dishware having cooking residue on a working surface thereof; providing a container having a pre-treating composition therein, the container being configured to dispense the pre-treating composition in a downward direction using only a single hand of a user; dispensing some of the pre-treating composition onto the surface of the dishware while the container is disposed in an upright orientation; placing the pre-treated dishware into the dishwasher; and running the dishware through a cleaning cycle of the dishwashing machine.

Abstract: Dishwasher utensil caddies are disclosed. A disclosed example utensil caddy for a dishwasher having a tub and a door at least partially defining a treating chamber, and dish rack in the treating chamber, includes an attachment member configured to attach the utensil caddy to a side of the dish rack in a space between the dish rack and the tub or the door, and a slot oriented at an angle relative to the dish rack, and configured to receive a handle of a cooking utensil.

Abstract: A dish washing machine having a structure improved to increase washing efficiency is provided. The dish washing machine includes a washing tub for washing dishes, an injection unit to inject washing water into the washing tub, and a deflection unit to move inside the washing tub to deflect the washing water injected from the injection unit toward the dishes. The deflection unit includes a first vane to be linearly movable in a direction in which the washing water is injected and a second vane to interwork with the first vane.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a capsule device with textured structural surface so that the capsule device has desired surface properties when it travels through designated regions in the gastrointestinal tract. The capsule device according to the present invention comprises a sensor and a capsule housing, where the sensor is sealed in the capsule housing. The capsule housing having a textured surface to cover at least one region of an exterior surface of the capsule housing to increase holding force between the luminal wall and the capsule device when the capsule device travels inside a gastrointestinal (GI) tract after being swallowed. A coating can be added to cover the textured surface so as to make the capsule surface smooth for easy to swallow. The coating layer will dissolve when the capsule device is in contact with the acid fluid inside the GI tract.

Abstract: Provided is an endoscope including an inserted portion that is inserted into a body, an observation optical system that is provided at a distal-end portion of the inserted portion and that acquires an image of the heart, and a supporting expansion portion that makes the heart support the distal-end portion of the inserted portion and that is provided with a basal-end-portion balloon, which is provided closer to a base-end portion than the distal-end portion of the inserted portion is, and a distal-end-portion balloon, which is provided so as to overhang forward from the distal-end portion of the inserted portion, wherein the base-end-portion balloon is disposed on the opposite side from the distal-end-portion balloon, with the inserted portion interposed therebetween.

Abstract: Off-axis visualization systems are described herein which facilitate the deployment, visualization, and retraction of an imaging element from a catheter. Such a system may include a deployment catheter and an attached imaging hood deployable into an expanded configuration as well as an imaging element, such as a CCD or CMOS imager, which may be deployed from a low profile configuration into a position which is off-axis relative to a longitudinal axis of the deployment catheter and/or imaging hood.

Abstract: A bronchoscopic sheath adapted to be fit over the outside surface of the proximal portion of a bronchoscope to assist with measuring or spacing of treatment. The measurement or spacing sheath is preferably made of braided polymer filament and is configured to collapse under tension and open/expand when the ends of the sheath are pushed towards one-another. Markings are provided on the sheath at regular intervals to reflect distance. The markings may be woven into the braid, or printed on the exterior of the braid. The proximal end of the sheath may be flared and the distal end may be tapered. Each end may be provided with a cuff that may be part of the braid, or a separate elastomeric material, or a thermally sealed edge with atraumatic tip.

Abstract: Systems and methods for treating spinal stenosis include endoscopic access devices and bone removal devices used to perform a foraminotomy or other bone removal procedures. A bone removal device includes a cannulotome with an endoscopic imaging lumen. Optionally, an endoscope retaining device can be used to facilitate advancement of the endoscope through the cannulotome.

Abstract: A stereoscopic endoscope system includes a stereoscopic endoscope and an identification information combining section. The stereoscopic endoscope is provided with an R image pickup section and an R output section which are provided on a right side of an endoscope body, an L image pickup section and an L output section which are provided on a left side of the endoscope body, and an R memory and an L memory which store correction information for either right or left and identification information. The right and left image pickup sections and the right and left memories are correctly or incorrectly combined and are connected to the right and left output sections. The identification information combining section performs image combination of an image and identification information inputted from the R output section or an image and identification information inputted from the L output section and outputs a combined image.

Abstract: A variety of tools and techniques are provided to support removal of ligamentum flavum in a spinal canal and other, similar tissue removal procedures.

Abstract: Video laryngoscope system including a video laryngoscope having a laryngoscope handle and a laryngoscope blade. The video laryngoscope system includes an image capture module with at least two stationary imaging units spaced apart along the laryngoscope blade for providing real-time video streams of a patient's airway passage during an intubation and a controller for enabling a clinician performing the intubation to select one or more of the real-time video streams for real-time display on a display screen to assist intubation of a patient.

Abstract: Laser video endoscope has laser guide, illumination guide and image guide which extend through optical probe and through hand piece that supports the probe. Hand piece is connected by optical fiber cable to laser energy source and illumination source. Image is transmitted from hand piece to image processing interface by camera assembly optically coupled and mounted directly to hand piece and via electrical cable extending from camera assembly. Camera and its electrical cable can be uncoupled from hand piece and reused. The rest of the product, including probe and hand piece, can be disposed of after each medical routine. Probe can have proximal portion and distal portion such that proximal portion extends from distal end of hand piece, and outside diameter of proximal portion as measured at least near the distal end of hand piece is greater than the outside diameter of the distal portion.

Abstract: A method for reprocessing a balloon endoscope, the method including the steps of deflating a balloon of a balloon endoscope to a negative pressure state following clinical use thereof and thereafter maintaining the interior of the balloon in a negative pressure state during at least part of reprocessing the balloon endoscope.

Abstract: A laryngoscope comprises a handle and an elongated blade detachably fixed to the handle. The blade includes a stationary portion having a longitudinal axis, a distal end of the stationary portion of the blade having a surface angled and upwardly and outwardly. A movable portion of the blade has a surface for engaging the tongue of the patient. The movable portion is mounted to the stationary portion of the blade for rotation about an axis substantially along the longitudinal axis of the blade. An operating member is manipulated by a user for rotating the movable portion of the blade. Laryngoscopy of a patient includes at least a rotating motion of the movable portion of the blade. In one embodiment, the laryngoscope comprises a tubular handle and an arcuate tubular blade integral with the handle.

Abstract: An attachment device for a ureteroscope may include a proximal guide configured to removably connect to a ureteroscope and a distally extending sheath. The sheath may have sufficient rigidity to maintain a generally straight configuration.

Abstract: An eye gaze detecting device includes: a memory configured to store position information regarding a specific position where a specific object is located; and a processor coupled to the memory and configured to: identify an eye gaze position regarding the subject in an image for each of a plurality of images including the image, and calculate a correction value based on the position information and a plurality of eye gaze positions including the eye gaze position, the correction value causing the plurality of eye gaze positions to match the specific position.

Abstract: An ophthalmic apparatus obtains naked-eye wavefront aberration data of an examinee's eye measured by an aberration measuring unit, and calculates first corrected wavefront aberration data intended for a prescription with a first correction power based on the naked-eye wavefront aberration data and the first correction power and generates a first evaluation index based on the first corrected wavefront aberration data. The ophthalmic apparatus further calculates second corrected wavefront aberration data intended for a prescription with a second correction power different from the first correction power in at least one of spherical power, astigmatic power, and astigmatic axis angle based on the naked-eye wavefront aberration data and the second correction power, and generates a second evaluation index based on the second corrected wavefront aberration data. The ophthalmic apparatus then displays the first and second evaluation indexes selectively or in parallel on a monitor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a means for creating a visual illusion of directional movement based on stationary motion elements referred to as “motion pixels.” In various embodiments, methods for using the directional illusion are provided, such as 1) the measurement and/or assessment of visual performance in active and virtual reality environments, 2) the measurement and/or assessment of acuity, in conjunction with eye trackers so as to measure visual performance in nonverbal or potentially malingering observers, 3) the enhancement of advertising and marketing by drawing attention to a desired symbol, and 4) the enhancement of images so as to produce the appearance of motion in otherwise stationary images.

Abstract: An ophthalmologic system comprising and eye tracker and an OCT system. A method of operating the ophthalmologic system comprises: providing data representing a placement of a first B-scan performed on an eye relative to the eye; performing a measurement on the eye using the eye tracker; determining a placement of the eye relative to the ophthalmologic system based on the measurement using the eye tracker; placing the eye relative to a reference placement of the OCT system based on the provided data and the determined placement; performing A-scans on the eye at at least three A-scan positions; determining a placement of a second B-scan relative to the OCT system based on at least one of the at least three A-scans and the provided data such that the second B-scan and the first B-scan have a substantially same placement relative to the eye; and generating a representation of the second B-scan.

Abstract: Embodiments of this invention generally relate to systems and methods for eye imaging, and more particularly to measuring the size and position of the lens capsule and of the implanted intraocular lens. In one embodiment, a method for measuring the size and position of the lens capsule and of the implanted intraocular lens comprises generating and emitting one or more light beams at an angle adjacent to the eye, generating one or more eye images, and detecting the position and/or boundary of a lens capsule from its shadow casted by reflected light on the iris.

Abstract: The slit lamp microscope comprises: a supporting base capable of precisely horizontally moving with respect to a frame; a supporting section extended upward from the supporting base; a slit light unit attached to a front end part of the supporting section, the slit light unit accommodating a slit lamp which emits a slit light downward; a mirror unit attached to a vertical middle part of the supporting section, the mirror unit having a reflecting mirror, which reflects the slit light from the slit light unit toward an eye of an examinee; and a microscope unit for observing the eye of the examinee. A slit lamp power cable, which supplies electric power to the slit lamp and which is extended from the supporting base, is provided in a hollow part of the supporting section and connected to the slit lamp in the slit light unit without being exposed outside.

Abstract: An ophthalmic system may comprise an imaging device having a field of view oriented toward the eye of the patient; a patient interface housing defining a passage therethrough, having a distal end coupled to one or more seals configured to be directly engaged with one or more surfaces of the eye of the patient, and wherein the proximal end is configured to be coupled to the patient workstation such that at least a portion of the field of view of the imaging device passes through the passage; and two or more registration fiducials coupled to the patient interface housing in a predetermined geometric configuration relative to the patient interface housing within the field of view of the imaging device such that they may be imaged by the imaging device in reference to predetermined geometric markers on the eye of the patient which may also be imaged by the imaging device.

Abstract: A portable system for remote diagnosis of a stroke is arranged in a housing provided with a handgrip and comprising audio recording and reproduction means for recording and reproducing sound at the location of a patient. The portable video recording means for recording at least eye and foot movements of the patient is arranged to be set up in such a way that the patient can be captured from head to toe. Measuring means to determine at least a blood glucose value in the patient, and communication means for forwarding the measured blood glucose value and the recorded movements and sound via a wireless network from the location of the patient and for receiving audio data originating from a location where a doctor is provided.

Abstract: A biological information detector includes a wristband, a housing, an opening, a light-emitting part, a reflecting part, a light-receiving part, and a protecting part. The opening is defined in a surface of the housing adapted to face a surface of the wrist of the user. The light-emitting part is disposed inside the housing and configured to emit green light. The reflecting part is disposed in periphery of the light emitting part, and configured to reflect the light emitted by the light-emitting part, wherein the reflecting part is disposed inside the housing. The light-receiving part is disposed inside the housing, and configured to receive reflected light reflected at a detection site of the wrist of the user. The protecting part is configured to protect the light-emitting part and the reflecting part, and is disposed at the opening of the housing to contact with the detection site.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for performing photoacoustic tomography with respect to a sample that receives a pulse of excitation electromagnetic radiation and generates an acoustic field in response to said pulse. One embodiment provides an apparatus comprising an acoustically sensitive surface, wherein the acoustic field generated in response to said pulse is incident upon said acoustically sensitive surface to form a signal. The apparatus further comprises a source for directing an interrogation beam of electromagnetic radiation onto said acoustically sensitive surface so as to be modulated by the signal; means for applying a sensitivity pattern to the interrogation beam; and a read-out system for receiving the interrogation beam from the acoustically sensitive surface and for determining a value representing a spatial integral of the signal across the acoustically sensitive surface, wherein said spatial integral is weighted by the applied sensitivity pattern.

Abstract: In accordance with an example embodiment, a body-weight sensing scale includes cardio-based physiological sensing circuitry to detect heart characteristics of a user, and provide outputs indicative of the detected heart characteristics. A processor circuit is arranged with the cardio-based physiological sensing circuitry to process data to provide a noise-reduced cardiogram signal which characterizes functionality/health of the user's heart.

Abstract: In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, a user-platform apparatus, such as a bodyweight sensing scale, includes a heart/cardiogram sensor which is used to detect heart and vascular characteristics of a user, and provide a cardiogram output indicative of the detected cardiovascular characteristics. The cardiogram output can be used for various purposes, such as detecting arterial stiffness and/or aging.