Abstract: Disclosed embodiments relate to a grill with an integrated liquid reservoir. The grill includes a Main grill surface, a reservoir and a divider separating the grill surface from the reservoir. The divider has a steeply sloped first side adjacent to the reservoir and a gently sloped second side adjacent to the main grill surface. Certain embodiments of the grill may include a retaining wall surrounding the entire grill. The integrated reservoir may be useful for draining liquids away from foods while cooking or keeping liquids nearby while cooking.

Abstract: A pivoting device includes a first body, a second body pivoted to the first body and rotatable about a pivoting axis, and a limiting unit for limiting a pivoting angle of the second body relative to the first body and having a limiting member. The first body has first and second radial stop surfaces. The limiting member is movable relative to the first body between first and second limiting states, where the limiting member is rotatable along with the second body in a circumferential direction of the pivoting axis and is respectively limited by the first and second radial stop surfaces.

Abstract: A device for grilling and cooking food. The device should be easy to produce and safe to handle. The device includes a pan made of steel with lateral walls and a heating surface for cooking food, which heating surface is disposed largely horizontal, optionally with a slight incline inwards, and which is connected to the lateral walls. The pan includes a grate-like intermediate base disposed parallel to the heating surface, with the heating surface disposed at least along one of the lateral walls of the pan.

Abstract: A storage and grinding device and method provides the dual functionality of forming an airtight compartment for storing herbs to protect their flavor and essence, and disassembling into a grinder to grind, tear, and shear the herbs. The device forms an airtight compartment with detachable lids that detach from the compartment and join together to form a unitary grinder, generally for grinding the contents of the compartment. A first and second lid form an airtight seal over each end of the compartment. The airtight seal is formed when the first and second lids form a hermetic seal at each end of the compartment. The airtight seal enhances the flavor and smell of the herbs by retaining the essence within the compartment and keeping the herbs impervious to gases. The first and second lids can disengage from each end of compartment, and engage each other to form a unitary grinder.

Abstract: When food is being blended, chopped or cut using a hand blender, forces are executed from the tool unit onto the food and counterforces are executed from the food onto the tool unit (3). These forces are both in an axial and in a radial direction. The axial forces are being transmitted to the axial load bearing (23) located in the motor unit (2) of the hand blender (1). The transmission of the axial forces to the motor unit of the hand blender, instead of absorbing these forces in the tool unit, reduces the amount of heat dissipated in the tool unit. The radial forces are being absorbed by the bearing in the tool unit.

Abstract: A device for thawing frozen items in a container of liquid, the container having one or more sidewalls, the device including a housing, a motor disposed in the housing, a propeller coupled to the motor, and a fastener extending from the housing, the fastener detachably securable to the side wall of the container, the fastener oriented on the housing such that the propeller is positionable in the liquid when the fastener engages the side wall of the container. A controller can be operably connected to the motor, the controller including a thickness input, the controller programmed to determine an operational time period in response to the thickness input. The controller instructs the motor to rotate the propeller for the operational time period to help thaw the frozen item. A display can be operably connected to the controller. A method of thawing a frozen item is also disclosed.

Abstract: A high-speed blending blade for a food-processing appliance includes two opposing upwardly arcuate blades, wherein each of the upwardly arcuate blades defines a continuously-curved downward top surface, two opposing downwardly arcuate blades, wherein each of the downwardly arcuate blades defines a continuously-curved upward top surface, a central blade portion having a central top surface, wherein the top central surface is co-planar with a portion of each downward top surface and each upward top surface and a pair of opposing top blades extending at a predetermined angle from proximate the central top surface.

Abstract: A food processor includes a base and a bowl with a removable lid. Food items are advanced into the bowl through a feed tube formed in the lid where they are cut by a cutting assembly driven by a motor. The cutting assembly is adjustable to vary the thickness of the cut food items. An adjustment assembly positioned in the base is operable to adjust the cutting thickness of the cutting assembly while the cutting assembly is driven by the motor.

Abstract: A bathtub moisture barrier assembly includes a panel having a front side, a back side, an upper edge, a lower edge, a first lateral edge and a second lateral edge. The back side has a plurality of elongated slots therein each oriented parallel to each other and to the lower edge. The slots each extend to the first and second lateral edges. A first adhesive is attached to the back side of the panel adjacent to the upper edge and extends from the first lateral edge to the second lateral edge. A second adhesive is attached to the back side of the panel adjacent to the lower edge and extends from the first lateral edge to the second lateral edge. The first adhesive secures the panel to the wall and the second adhesive secures the panel to the bathtub.

Abstract: A shower enclosure (10) comprising a tank (11, 12, 13) for holding a flushing fluid and an accessible space for drench-washing of personnel with the flushing fluid, wherein the enclosure is defined at least in part by at least one side wall of the tank (11, 12, 13).

Abstract: A point-of-care hygiene compliance module includes a housing that is adapted to be attached to a dispensing container that dispenses material through a dispensing nozzle when actuated. The housing includes a pivoting actuation arm that is configured so as to be placed in operative contact with the dispensing nozzle. Thus, when the actuation arm is actuated, material is dispensed from the dispensing container, and a switch in operative contact with the actuation arm is actuated. The triggering of the switch updates a count value that is maintained by a controller, which may then be displayed or acquired by a remote computer to assess the amount of usage of the dispensing container.

Abstract: A facial cleansing pad includes a body constructed from a pliant fabric and having opposed first and second surfaces. The first surface has a long pile knit finish, preferably an openwork finish, and the second surface has a warp knit finish. The long pile knit finish extends beyond the first surface, and the warp knit finish has no height with respect to the second surface.

Abstract: The towel of the present invention is formed of a fabric having a front face and an opposite rear face. The fabric has a first section that has a flat weave construction on both the front and rear faces and an adjacent second section that has a terry weave construction on both the front and rear faces.

Abstract: A wet wipe is provided including at least a first flexible layer and a second flexible layer made of a nonabsorbent material and having a liquid entrapped therebetween, wherein at least one of the first and second flexible layers is provided with a plurality of pores configured to allow the liquid to pass therethrough.

Abstract: A portable urinal assembly for collecting and storing urine includes a cup that may be utilized for urination. A lid is removably positioned to cover the cup. A reservoir is operationally coupled to the cup. The reservoir may contain the urine thereby preventing the urine from contaminating an area.

Abstract: An improved convertible toilet seat includes ferromagnetic components to adhere detachably a rotatably attached child seat section to a posterior section, creating a more secure and comfortable seating surface for a child, and to enhance the adhesion of a child seat section to an anterior section when a toilet seat s raised to a vertical position. The introduction of a finger notch in the anterior section serves to make it easier for a child to lift a child seat section into position for use by a child where a partial vacuum may otherwise be created when an anterior section receives a child seat section.

Abstract: A solution for cleaning and/or sterilizing one or more surfaces in a bathroom is provided. The sterilization can be performed using ultraviolet sources, which can emit ultraviolet radiation directed onto the surface(s). The cleaning can be performed using a fluid, such as water, that is flowed over the surface(s). The surface(s) can include at least a seat of a toilet and/or other surfaces associated with the toilet.

Abstract: This invention relates to a hand-held vacuum cleaner (10). The vacuum cleaner is expected to have particular utility for cleaning locations which are difficult to reach with a conventional vacuum cleaner. The vacuum cleaner (10) has a body (12) with a substantially planar base (22) upon which the vacuum cleaner can rest when not in use, the body having a carrying handle (20), a motor (14) and an impeller (16) located within the body, the vacuum cleaner also having a collector (26, 126) and a battery pack (18), the battery pack providing at least a part of the base (22). The motor and the battery pack are located between the base and the collector so as to lower the centre of gravity and make the vacuum cleaner more comfortable for use, especially over long periods. Ideally, the centre of gravity is close to the carrying handle, and between the carrying handle and the nozzle so that the vacuum cleaner is slightly “nose heavy”.

Abstract: A portable hard surface cleaning appliance includes a suction nozzle with a suction opening on which at least one drawing-off lip is arranged, a suction unit in flow connection with the suction nozzle for sucking up a liquid-air mixture from the suction opening, a separation chamber arranged between the suction nozzle and the suction unit and having a separation device arranged within for separating liquid from the liquid-air mixture, and a tank accommodating compartment in which a dirty liquid tank for receiving the separated liquid is releasably held. The tank accommodating compartment includes at least one supporting element engaged under a lower tank section of the dirty liquid tank, and at least one holding element releasably connectable to an upper tank section of the dirty liquid tank. The portable hard surface cleaning appliance includes two holding elements which receive between them the upper tank section of the dirty liquid tank.

Abstract: A floor cleaning appliance is provided that assists cleaning surfaces using an appliance housing and a handheld wand with a motorized brush head. The appliance housing includes a wheeled assembly with a fluid reservoir for supporting a cleaning solution. A pump drives the cleaning solution into a fluid tube that connects to a handheld wand. The handheld wand includes user controls, a handle grip, and a rotating brush head that is used in conjunction with the cleaning solution to break up dirt while cleaning surfaces. The user presses the bristles against the surface as he or she controls the rotational speed and fluid flow from the wand via the user controls. Dirt is released from the surface, whereafter it can be wiped clean.

Abstract: A surface treatment apparatus may include an air flow path extending from a dirty air inlet to a clean air outlet and a main body. A suction motor may be provided in the air flow path. A cyclone bin assembly may be provided in the air flow path and may be removably mountable to the main body. A pre-motor filter chamber may be provided and may have a rear wall, a sidewall extending and an openable front wall opposite the rear wall and sealingly enclosing the pre-motor filter chamber. The pre-motor filter chamber may be disposed longitudinally between the cyclone bin assembly and the suction motor and the cyclone bin assembly may be positioned in front of at least a portion of the openable front wall of the pre-motor filter chamber. The front wall may be accessible when the cyclone bin assembly is removed from the main body.

Abstract: A surface cleaning apparatus comprises a first flexible electrified air flow conduit having an air inlet end that is electrified.

Abstract: A floor care device for the care of a floor includes a drive system that moves the floor care device over the floor, a device controller that controls the floor care device over a travel path, and a care apparatus that applies a floor care fluid to the floor. The care apparatus includes a rotatable hollow roller body that stores the floor care fluid, and the floor care fluid emerges from the roller body as the roller body rotates.

Abstract: A steam cleaning accessory for use with a steam generator comprises a flexible body comprising a base. At least one steam conduit is connectable to the steam generator and arranged to be in fluid communication therewith. The steam conduit comprises at least one steam outlet for ejecting steam and the at least one steam outlet is mounted on an underside of the base which is configured to be adjacent to a surface to be cleaned. A flexible pocket is mounted on the flexible body and arranged to receive a user's hand. The at least one steam conduit comprises at least one first open channel extending across a longitudinal axis of the flexible body and the flexible body is foldable along the at least one open channel.

Abstract: A steam cleaning accessory for use with a steam generator comprises: a flexible body comprising a base. At least one steam conduit is connectable to the steam generator and arranged to be in fluid communication therewith. The steam conduit comprises at least one steam outlet for ejecting steam. The at least one steam outlet is mounted on an underside of the base which is configured to be adjacent to a surface to be cleaned. A flexible pocket mounted on the flexible body and arranged to receive a user's hand. A flexible cleaning element is mountable on the body adjacent to the base wherein the flexible cleaning element does not extend beyond a peripheral edge of the base.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for the attachment of brushes to the drive system of rotary floor scrubbing machines. In one embodiment, the apparatus provides for a scrubbing plate assembly suitable for attachment to the drive system of a rotary floor scrubbing machine. The scrubbing plate assembly has a scrubbing plate and an adapter plate. When the adapter plate is aligned and in contact with a scrubbing plate, the adapter plate locks to the scrubbing plate by axial movement of said adapter plate relative to said scrubbing plate.

Abstract: A steam cleaning accessory for use with a steam generator comprises a flexible sheath having a first side wall, a second side wall and a base there between. At least one steam conduit has at least one steam outlet. The at least one steam conduit is arranged to be in fluid communication with the steam generator. At least one flexible thermal insulation layer is mounted between the first and second side walls. The steam conduit is mounted on a first side of the base and the flexible thermal insulation layer is mounted on a second side of the base. A restraint is coupled to the flexible sheath and arranged to receive a user's hand.

Abstract: A steam cleaning accessory for use with a steam generator comprises a flexible body comprising a front wall, a rear wall and base extending there between. At least one steam conduit is connectable to the steam generator and is arranged to be in fluid communication therewith. The steam conduit comprises at least one steam outlet for ejecting steam. The at least one steam outlet is mounted on an underside of the base which is configured to be adjacent to a surface to be cleaned. A flexible pocket is mounted on the flexible body and arranged to receive a user's hand. A barrier projects from the flexible body which is engageable with the surface to be cleaned. The barrier is located on a rear wall side of the at least one steam outlet.

Abstract: A steam cleaning accessory for use with a steam generator comprises: a flexible body comprising a base and at least one peripheral wall upstanding from the base. At least one steam conduit is connectable to the steam generator and arranged to be in fluid communication therewith. The steam conduit comprises at least one steam outlet for ejecting steam and the at least one steam outlet is mounted on an underside of the base which is configured to be adjacent to a surface to be cleaned. A flexible pocket is mounted on the flexible body and is arranged to receive a user's hand. The at least one peripheral wall comprises at least one deflection element outwardly projecting from the peripheral wall.

Abstract: A broom (10) comprising a head (12) and a handle (14). The head (12) comprises a first portion (16) having a plurality of bristles and a second portion (17) extending outwardly from the first portion (17) at an angle thereto. A recess (28) extends from adjacent a first end of the second portion (17) to adjacent a second end of the second portion (17) and a scraper blade (30) is fixed at least partially within the recess (28) such that at least portions of longitudinal ends of the scraper blade (30) are covered.

Abstract: A pad for cleaning a hard target surface. The pad has resiliently deformable protuberances for scrubbing grout and other irregularities in the target surface. The pad may be removably attached to a device for cleaning debris from a target surface.

Abstract: In-line methods for manufacturing a plurality of multilayer pads and the resultant pads. Various embodiments of the invention employ one or two thermal bonding stations, such as ultrasonic bonding stations, along with handle folding tooling, to produce two- or three-layer pads in various configurations, without the use of adhesive. Following bonding and handle folding, a cutter, such as a die cutter, is employed to cut through the layers to form individual pads. Pads of various configurations are manufactured, including pads with “L”-shaped handles, handles of “wing” configuration, and “folded” handles.

Abstract: A mop-cleaning bucket includes an extensible post connected to an internal side of a lower portion of a bucket. The extensible post includes a stationary element and a movable element. The extensible post further includes at least one track and at least one boss for connecting the stationary element to the movable element. The track includes a lower longitudinal groove in communication with an upper longitudinal groove. The movable element includes a bore made in an upper end. A lower bushing and an upper bushing are inserted in the bore. The axle is inserted in the upper bushing. The axle includes a lower end inserted in the lower bushing and an upper end for connection to a mop. The washing bucket does not include any cage so that the mop can fully contact water and that the mop can effectively be washed by the water.

Abstract: The present invention describes a cutlery basket for a dishwasher that facilitates the use of a cutlery basket in particular allowing easier loading and unloading of cutlery into and out of the cutlery basket by providing a large opening on an outer upright wall of the cutlery basket. Preferred embodiments of the cutlery basket comprise movable lids that can be flipped parallel inside of the cutlery basket or flipped outside to provide extra space for storing cutlery.

Abstract: A dishwasher rack assembly including a bottom wall formed of a first set of wire rods in parallel, uniform spaced relation to each other perpendicular a second set of wire rods in parallel, uniform spaced relation to each other, the first and second sets of wire members defining open, square lattice areas. One or more support members are coupled intermediate opposing wire rods of the first or second set within a selected lattice area. Each support member comprises an upwardly directed, support frame for optimally positioning the objects to be washed, the opposed ends thereof extending into mounting receivers that are adapted to be positionally coupled between opposed wire rods of the bottom wall of the dishwasher rack.

Abstract: An endoscope apparatus includes a processor including hardware. The processor is configured to implement an image acquisition process that acquires a plurality of in vivo images; an in-focus evaluation value calculation process that calculates an in-focus evaluation value that represents a degree of in-focus corresponding to each of the plurality of in vivo images; a focus control process that controls a focus operation of an imaging optics by performing a control process that switches a position of a focus adjustment lens included in the imaging optics between a plurality of discrete positions based on the in-focus evaluation value; and a freeze image setting process that selects at least one in vivo image from the plurality of in vivo images based on the degree of in-focus represented by the in-focus evaluation value, and sets the selected at least one in vivo image to be a freeze image.

Abstract: A monitor apparatus includes: a display panel that displays a medical image; an as-viewed output terminal capable of outputting a video signal reflecting a same color set value as a color set value reflected in the medical image displayed on the display panel; a communication unit that detects device information regarding an external device connected to the as-viewed output terminal; and a second color setting reflection unit capable of controlling to further change the color set value reflected in the video signal outputted from the as-viewed output terminal based on a detection result of the communication unit.

Abstract: Provided is a medical apparatus including a treatment tool having a distal-end treatment section, a joint section, and a flexible elongated body section in this order from the distal end; a driver that is connected to the base end of the body section and that supplies a driving force to the joint section; an operation input unit that is a separate unit from the treatment tool and the driver and that has a main body holdable with one hand of an operator and an operable member disposed at a position where it is operable using a finger of the one hand holding the main body; and a controller that controls the driver in accordance with an operation command input to the operation input unit.

Abstract: A laryngoscope of some embodiments includes a handle, a first blade, and a second blade. The first blade is capable of being detachably coupled with the handle. The second blade is capable of being detachably coupled with the handle, in which the first blade and the second blade have different forms.

Abstract: A video endoscopy system, including: a video endoscope having an image capturing sensor for recording image data, a controller comprising hardware configured to control the video endoscope, and a coupling for connecting the video endoscope to the controller. The coupling including: a first coupling unit on the video endoscope, a second coupling unit on the controller, an inductive interface between the first and second coupling units for supplying the video endoscope with electrical energy, and an optical interface between the first and second coupling units for transmitting one or more of control data and image data recorded by means of the image capturing sensor.

Abstract: An adapter for the releasable and relockable coupling of an endoscope with a camera head has an inner wall and an outer wall that are connected with one another via a connecting wall extending between the inner wall and outer wall at or near their first axial ends, and which inner wall and outer wall are arranged with at least a lateral separation from one another, so that an open clearance results between the inner wall and outer wall on a second axial side that is situated opposite the first axial ends. Furthermore, the adapter comprises a coupling wall that seals a clearance enclosed by the inner wall at or near a second axial end of the inner wall, such that the clearance that is enclosed by the inner wall is open at a first axial side that is situated opposite the second axial end of the inner wall.

Abstract: The invention encompasses devices and methods used to keep the objective lens of a viewing or illuminating device, specifically an endoscope, free from obstructive fluid and dirt; specifically a device having a hollow body designed to fit over an endoscope, and a transparent lens cover film that is retained within the device and that is threaded in front of the objective lens of an endoscope, thereby maintaining a clear and unobstructed transparent window in front of the endoscope lens.

Abstract: An insertion system includes an insertion device, a shape sensor, an insertion device holder and an adjustment unit. The insertion device includes an elongated flexible insertion portion. The shape sensor detects a shape of the insertion portion. The insertion device holder holds the insertion device at one end of the insertion portion so that the other end of the insertion portion hangs. The adjustment unit determines an adjustment value to adjust shape detection characteristics of the shape sensor when the insertion device is held by the insertion device holder.

Abstract: The inventions disclosed herein are related to various designs of intra-abdominal three-dimensional (3D) imaging systems that are able to provide 3D visualization, measurement, registration and display capability for minimally invasive surgeries.

Abstract: A medicinal solution collecting tool of the invention includes: a pillar-shaped portion including an insertion end and a withdrawal end; a collecting section provided on the insertion end side of the pillar-shaped portion; a collecting port provided on a surface of the pillar-shaped portion; and a guide section provided on the surface of the pillar-shaped portion, the guide section including a first guide section being convex or concave and parallel to an axial direction of the pillar-shaped portion, and a second guide section provided on the withdrawal end side relative to the first guide section, the second guide section being convex or concave and crossing the axial direction of the pillar-shaped portion.

Abstract: A handheld diagnostic instrument includes a handle and an instrument head associated with the handle. An innerformer is disposed in an inner cavity of the instrument head in which the instrument head further includes a tab holder. A cushion member is disposed within the housing between the innerformer and the interior of the instrument head. Further, a lens is attached to the instrument head, the lens including a lens tab. A seal is formed between the lens and the innerformer when the lens tab is engaged with the tab holder wherein the cushion member acts to bias the innerformer to maintain the defined seal.

Abstract: A video laryngoscope includes a handle, a blade, a lens, a photo sensor, and an output terminal. The blade is connected to the handle. The lens is disposed on the blade. The photo sensor is connected to the lens to transform an image obtained by the lens into an electrical signal. The output terminal is disposed on the handle and is electrically connected to the photo sensor. The output terminal is configured to allow a smart communication device to be connected thereto, such that the electrical signal can be output to the smart communication device through the output terminal.

Abstract: An ophthalmic illumination apparatus includes a light source operable to generate a light beam and a filtering mirror configured to generate an infrared (IR) filtered light beam by reflecting at least a portion of wavelengths of the light beam in the visible spectrum while filtering out at least a portion of wavelengths of the light beam in the IR spectrum. The ophthalmic illumination apparatus further includes a collimator configured to receive at least a portion of the IR filtered light beam and generate a collimated light beam and a condenser configured to couple at least a portion of the collimated light beam into an optical fiber.

Abstract: An excitation force (internal or external) and phase-sensitive optical coherence elastography (OCE) system, used in conjunction with a data analyzing algorithm, is capable of measuring and quantifying biomechanical parameters of tissues in situ and in vivo. The method was approbated and demonstrated on an example of the system that combines a pulsed ultrasound system capable of producing an acoustic radiation force on the crystalline lens surface and a phase-sensitive optical coherence tomography (OCT) system for measuring the lens displacement caused by the acoustic radiation force. The method allows noninvasive and nondestructive quantification of tissue mechanical properties. The noninvasive measurement method also utilizes phase-stabilized swept source optical coherence elastography (PhS-SSOCE) to distinguish between tissue stiffness, such as that attributable to disease, and effects on measured stiffness that result from external factors, such as pressure applied to the tissue.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and apparatus for making a determination about an eye in ambient lighting conditions comprising detecting ambient light reflected out of an eye of a subject from a retina of the eye of the subject and making a determination about the eye of the subject based upon the reflected ambient light.