Abstract: A combination of identification tag and shoehorn which combine a device for helping put on shoes and identification indicia within the unitary tag. The device comprises of a smooth curved implement of a material of relatively thin dimensions that is inserted into a heel of a shoe to ease the foot into and make it slip on more easily and also of a carved space to attach a tag with a name and address of an individual. The carved space is allowing easy removal or insertion of an identification tag by the user under the carved transparent window.

Abstract: Method and systems are provided for a reconfigurable hanger for holding or hanging objects. In one example of the reconfigurable hanger, two portions that may be angled relative to one another may be connected by a hinge that provides a stopping point when the two portions form an obtuse angle relative to one another. The first portion may include a flexible pad to provide friction when in contact with a supporting surface and a hooked end may be arranged on the second portion to prevent an object from sliding off the reconfigurable hanger.

Abstract: A landing pad receptacle receives and stores a package delivered by an unmanned vehicle, comprising: a housing; a storage compartment in the housing; and a validation device that detects a presence of a package delivered by a unmanned vehicle in the storage compartment and authenticates a package for return by a unmanned vehicle.

Abstract: A shower curtain and window curtain hanging structure provides constant stream of heated or ambient air as well as the ability to sound audio from an external source. The hanging structure includes a tubular body, an at least one fan assembly, a power supply, an at least one waterproof speaker, a microphone, and a wireless communication device. The tubular body supports various types of curtains. The fan assembly, and the wireless communication device are internally mounted within the tubular body. The waterproof speaker and the microphone is integrated into an external surface of the tubular body in order to sound audio towards a user and providing calling services. The fan assembly includes an impeller, a heating element, and an electric motor. The impeller is powered by the electric motor to forces air to pass by the heating element and expelling heated air onto the user.

Abstract: A cooking apparatus and a method of controlling the cooking apparatus. The cooking apparatus includes a cooking chamber, a rotating plate rotatably installed at a bottom of an inside of the cooking chamber and including a plurality of areas formed on a top surface thereof, and a first heating portion installed in the cooking chamber and configured to supply heat to a first area of the plurality of areas when the first area is moved to a heating position by the rotating plate being rotatably driven.

Abstract: Described herein is a microwaveable egg cooking device which provides an easy to use mixing and cooking vessel that also can be a serving dish once an egg is prepared and cooked in a microwave. In a related embodiment, the cooking vessel includes a handle that protrudes out for holding the cooking vessel that may still be hot from cooking.

Abstract: A method for cooking food can include placing food within an interior of a cook base, a ledge contacting the cook base, a fire ring positioned around the cook base, the fire ring, ledge, and cook base side wall defining a combustible heat source containment area exterior to the cook base side wall; mating a cover to a top edge of the cook base to define a substantially sealed interior cooking chamber, the cover including a cover heat source containment area; placing a first heat source within the combustible heat source containment area; placing a second heat source within the cover heat search containment area of the cover; and igniting the first heat source and the second heat source to cook the food within the substantially sealed interior cooking chamber.

Abstract: The invention describes a covering element (10) for pizza, in a material with a reduced thermal dispersion or thermally insulating, comprising an upper surface (1) and a side surface (2) that extends orthogonally to the upper surface (1) substantially along the perimeter of the same upper surface (1), said covering element (10) being characterized in that the upper surface (1) is provided with an opening (3), preferably with an opening with a triangular section (3).

Abstract: The apparatus is used in cooking foodstuff over an open flame by heat while keeping user a safe distance from fire with main elements being hand grip, shank, fork, and food transfer system. A hand grip and shank are made of materials including wood, injection mold plastics, and metal while a fork and food transfer system is constructed of metal materials. The food transfer system provides a hands-free safe and sanitary method to remove cooked foods from hot metal greatly reducing likelihood of injury and food contamination.

Abstract: A toaster release material configured to at least partially cover a platen in a toaster oven and to provide a nonstick cooking surface is provided. The toaster release material includes a base layer substrate supporting one or more nonstick layers. The one or more nonstick layers include a nonstick warning layer for cooking coated on the base layer and a nonstick exterior layer for cooking coated on the warning layer. During use in a toaster over where the toaster release material is subjected to heat, the exterior layer deteriorates such that at least a portion of the warning layer having a different color than the exterior layer is exposed to provide a visual indication of the remaining lifespan of the toaster release material.

Abstract: A food frying treatment apparatus includes: a frying oil circulation mechanism which makes frying oil flow out from a frying oil tank on a downstream side and makes the frying oil flow in the frying oil tank on an upstream side by a frying oil inflow device which ejects the frying oil in an upward direction from a bottom portion side of the frying oil tank; a frying food transport mechanism including a first transport mechanism which transports the food fed into the frying oil tank on the upstream side in a floating state on a surface of the frying oil, and a second transport mechanism which transports a frying food subsequently to the first transport mechanism in an immersed state below the surface of the frying oil in the frying oil tank; and a fried food collection mechanism which collects a fried food from the frying oil tank.

Abstract: An improved flameless, non-electric chafing dish and an improved flameless non-electric heat source for use in connection therewith is provided. The chafing dish assembly includes a support frame for supporting the chafing dish on a serving surface, a lower (water) pan positioned on the support frame and having a bottom and one or more side walls, a food pan configured to nest inside the lower pan and having a bottom and one or more side walls, and an air-activated exothermic warming device positioned between the lower pan and the food pan. The warming device comprises a mixture of materials including iron which produce heat from the exothermic oxidation of iron when exposed to air. A support device configured for positioning between the air-activated exothermic warming device and the lower (water) pan is also provided. The support device is configured to permit airflow to the warming device and to elevate the warming device into direct contact with the food pan.

Abstract: An insulated skirt for a chafing dish having an enclosed insulated region surrounding the frame of the chafing dish. The skirt is a single continuous unit that wraps around the frame without openings thereby providing improved heat retention characteristics. Because the skirt is designed for use with flameless chafing dishes, there is no need to allow air to enter the space around the frame beneath the water pan, resulting in improved heat retention. The insulated skirt generally includes an outer skirt member configured to wrap around and substantially enclose the chafing dish frame. An inner skirt member is attached to an upper edge of the outer skirt member and wraps inside the chafing dish frame such that the area where the two join engages the upper frame member of the chafing dish frame. Mechanical fastening means, such as fabric hook and loop fasteners are also provided for securing the skirt to the upper frame member of the chafing dish.

Abstract: Various embodiments relate to a manual centrifuge food processing device. An example device includes a bowl and a spindle extending from an inner surface of the bowl. A mesh basket is removably coupled to the bowl and is structured to receive a food product. The mesh basket defines a hub structured to receive the spindle so as to facilitate rotation of the mesh basket relative to the bowl about the spindle. A lid is removably coupled to the bowl. The lid includes a drive mechanism structured to rotate the mesh basket in response to a manual input so as to drive liquid from the food product due to centrifugal force. Each of the bowl and the mesh basket is formed of metal.

Abstract: A plurality of stacked, interconnected wipes that collectively define a stack. Each wipe is connected to at least one other wipe on only one of the right side and the left side of the stack via a connection. In particular embodiments, immediately successive connections in a stacked direction are on alternating right and left sides of the stack. In other embodiments immediately successive connections in a stacked direction are on the same side of the stack.

Abstract: A toilet seat tightening kit is provided that includes a screwdriver, a wrench, and one or more washers. The components of the toilet seat tightening kit can be joined or fitted together to provide a unitary (i.e., single) component for storage. The components can be easily separated for use. The components of the toilet seat tightening kit are used with one or more pairs of a bolt and a nut that are commonly provided with a toilet seat to securely install the toilet seat on a toilet base. In an assembled form, the washers fit over a shaft of the screwdriver, and the shaft of the screwdriver snaps into an interior cavity of the wrench. The interior cavity is sized and shaped to contain the washers and the screwdriver shaft.

Abstract: A leaf blower vacuum cart for mounting, transporting and utilizing an electric leaf vacuum blower and a standard 12?×16?×35? paper yard waste bag or similar. The invention is a two tiered cart with casters, a bottom shelf and a top shelf. The top shelf has an opening to accommodate a hopper which goes into a standard 12?×16?×35? paper yard waste bag or similar. The cart can be used with leaf blower vacuums of various makes. A hose is attached to the leaf blower vacuum allowing for extended reach of leaves. A second hose is connected to the exhaust of the leaf blower vacuum and to the hopper. The invention maximizes filling of standard 12?×16?×35? paper yard waste bags or similar. Full bags are moved on the cart to the desired location.

Abstract: In one aspect, a device includes a processor and storage accessible to the processor. The storage bears instructions executable by the processor to receive an image of an area from a camera, and to execute image recognition on the first image to identify a dirty region in the area. Based on the identification of the dirty region, the instructions are executable to generate a command for a robotic cleaning device to move to the dirty region for facilitating cleaning of the dirty region by the robotic cleaning device.

Abstract: A mobile robot configured to travel across a residential floor or other surface while cleaning the surface with a cleaning pad and cleaning solvent is disclosed. The robot includes a controller for managing the movement of the robot as well as the treatment of the surface with a cleaning solvent. The movement of the robot can be characterized by a class of trajectories that achieve effective cleaning. The trajectories include sequences of steps that are repeated, the sequences including forward and backward motion and optional left and right motion along arcuate paths.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a street or industrial vacuum cleaner (1) on a chassis (50) and self-propelled using at least one drive motor comprising a guide element preferably taking the form of a handlebar (70) with at least one handle (740), a hand grip (730) and means or elements (710) for attachment to the chassis (50) of the vacuum cleaner (1), said attachment means or elements (710) making it possible, by the transmission of the movement applied to the hand grip (730), to steer said vacuum cleaner (1), characterized in that the handle (740) comprises a telescopic zone with a sliding part (745) able to move between a first position referred to as an extended position and a second position referred to as a retracted position, preferably with a return spring (780) and at least a switch (770) for detecting the position of the sliding part (745), said switch (770) being able to cause the street vacuum cleaner drive motor to switch off or reverse if the sliding part (745) is in the retracted position.

Abstract: A surface cleaning apparatus includes a housing with an on-board hydrogen peroxide generator which produces a hydrogen peroxide solution in situ from fluid stored within an on-board supply tank of the surface cleaning apparatus, and further delivers the generated hydrogen peroxide solution to a cleaning pad attached to the housing of the surface cleaning apparatus.

Abstract: A carton for holding at least one article. The carton has a plurality of panels that extends at least partially around an interior of the carton. A plurality of end flaps are respectively foldably connected to a respective panel of the plurality of panels for closing an end of the carton. An engagement structure is attached to at least one panel of the plurality of panels. The engagement structure is positioned for receiving the at least one article and activating the at least one article.

Abstract: A dishwasher for treating dishes according to an automatic cycle of operation having a tub that at least partially defines a treating chamber, a slidable dish holder, an electricity-consuming component having a rechargeable battery, and a battery charging system to recharge the rechargeable battery of the electricity-consuming component when the dish holder is in the treating position.

Abstract: The portable fluid dispensing and rinsing system includes a base housing, a drain pan having an outwardly extending circumferential wall forming a drain pan chamber. The circumferential wall has a wall opening and the drain pan includes a nozzle receptacle and a drain opening. The system also includes a switch element, a battery housing, and a motor assembly coupled to the drain pan, a drain plate and a nozzle assembly for seating in the central receptacle of the drain pan. The drain plate is movable in an axial direction between a non-actuated position where the drain plate is separated from the actuator and an actuated position where the drain plate contacts and engages the actuator.

Abstract: A hydraulically actuated diverter includes a top portion defining a plurality of outlet ports and a bottom portion defining a fluid inlet and being coupled to the top portion to form a diverter chamber. A diverter disk is positioned in the diverter chamber and can move along an axial direction between a first position and a second position. The diverter disk has one or more apertures and may be rotated about the axial direction to selectively place the one or more apertures in fluid communication with the plurality of outlet ports. When water flows through the fluid inlet, the diverter disk moves to the second position and forms a fluid seal with the top portion. To reduce noise resulting from the diverter disk striking the top portion, a strike pad is coupled to and extends from the top portion toward the diverter disk.

Abstract: Apparatus relating to an appliance having a housing with an aperture providing access to an interior compartment of the appliance and a door are disclosed herein. In various embodiments, the door may be designed to slide and retract within the housing when actuating between at least a closed position and an open position. Additionally, the door may be designed in various styles, wherein the particular style of door chosen may be dependent upon the particular appliance.

Abstract: A dishwashing appliance and method of operation are provided herein. The dishwashing appliance may include a heater operable to heat a tub of the dishwashing appliance. The method may include directing water into the tub, activating the heater by supplying electrical power to the heater, and adjusting the electrical power to the heater. Adjusting the electrical power may include detecting a temperature change within the tub, determining when the temperature change meets a predetermined criterion, and delivering a wattage output from the heater when the predetermined criterion is met.

Abstract: An image recording device includes a first movie generation section configured to, based on the medical image, generate a first movie of a first image quality for a first use, and output a movie of a second image quality higher than the first image quality, a detection section configured to detect at least one of a state signal from an external appliance and a detection timing based on an operation signal from an operation section, a duplication section configured to generate a duplicate of the movie of the second image quality at the detection timing, a second movie generation section configured to generate a second movie for a second use based on the duplicated movie, and a recording section configured to record the first movie, and to record the second movie in association with the reference time information.

Abstract: An endoscope includes a flexible portion, a surface of which is covered by an outer covering, the outer covering including a resin layer as an outermost layer and a laminated barrier film that is arranged on an inner side of the resin layer, and the laminated barrier film including a first barrier layer made from a metal oxide, and a second barrier layer made from a metal that is arranged on an inner side of the first barrier layer.

Abstract: A medical apparatus includes a control device, a motion sensor, via which a motion value is determinable, a position sensor, via which an angular position in space is detectable, and a time measuring device, via which a time interval is determinable. The control device is embodied in such a way that a switch-off signal is producible if, during the entire time interval, the motion value remains below a threshold and, at the same time, the position sensor detects an inclination angle relative to a repository plane that lies in a defined repository angle range.

Abstract: An endoscope includes an insertion portion, the endoscope being configured to allow a treatment tool to protrude from the insertion portion. The endoscope further includes: a treatment tool elevator base configured to be elevated by rotation around a rotation shaft with respect to a direction in which the insertion portion extends; an operating portion configured to input operation of changing an angle of elevating the treatment tool with respect to the treatment tool elevator base; a wire configured to be connected to the operating portion; a first member including a first engagement portion; and a second member including a second engagement portion and a wire connection portion to be connected to the wire, the second member being configured to: be supported so as to be rotatable with respect to the rotation shaft; and transmit the operation to the treatment tool elevator base.

Abstract: An endoscope and a vision system including the endoscope and an electrical-light connector are provided. A distal tip of the endoscope includes a lens and image device. The distal tip is illuminated by light conductors extending within the endoscope. A serial connector is formed along the proximal region of the endoscope having a window segment and a plurality of ring conductors separated by insulators. When the serial connector is received by the electrical-light connector, light and power and electronic signals are communicated therebetween. The electrical-light connector may be removably attached from the endoscope to permit the exchange of different medical devices that are navigated to a treatment site over the endoscope. The window segment may comprise a proximal refractor that receives light radially and communicates light longitudinally to the light conductors. A distal refractor may receive the light from the light conductors and direct it radially to the distal tip.

Abstract: A distal cover being attached to a distal configuration portion provided on a distal side of an insertion section to be inserted into a body, a ring-shaped first cover which is made of an insulating material and which has a lock portion that is removably locked to the distal configuration portion; and a ring-shaped second cover which is made of an insulating material that is more flexible than the first cover and which is provided more on a proximal side than the first cover.

Abstract: An endoscope system includes: an endoscope including a side-viewing observation unit that includes a field of view in a lateral direction of an insertion part to be inserted into an object to be observed and a second protruding portion that protrudes from the insertion part and forms a blind spot in the field of view of the side-viewing observation unit; an image acquisition unit that acquires a side-viewing observation image by using the side-viewing observation unit; a monitor that displays the side-viewing observation image; and a display control section that allows at least a part of the blind spot of the side-viewing observation image in which the second protruding portion is shown up not to be displayed, and displays the side-viewing observation image on the monitor.

Abstract: An imaging device includes: an image sensor; an imaging optical device; a fixed mask; and a movable mask. The imaging optical device forms an image of a subject on the image sensor. The fixed mask includes first to third openings that divide a pupil of the imaging optical device, a first filter transmitting light in a first wavelength band, a second filter transmitting light in a second wavelength band different from the first wavelength band. The movable mask includes a light shielding section and fourth to sixth openings that are provided on the light shielding section and correspond to the first to the third openings, and is movable relative to the imaging optical device. The first filter is provided to the first opening. The second filter is provided to the second opening. The third opening is provided to an optical axis of the imaging optical device.

Abstract: A surgical robotic system automatically calibrates tubular and flexible surgical tools such as endoscopes. By compensating for unideal behavior of an endoscope, the surgical robotic system can accurately model motions of the endoscope and navigate the endoscope while performing a surgical procedure on a patient. During calibration, the surgical robotic system moves the endoscope to a target position and receives data describing an actual position and/or orientation of the endoscope. The surgical robotic system determines gain values based at least on the discrepancy between the target position and the actual position. The endoscope can include tubular components referred to as a sheath and leader. An instrument device manipulator of the surgical robotic system actuates pull wires coupled to the sheath and/or the leader, which causes the endoscope to articulate.

Abstract: An image processing device includes a processor including hardware, the processor being configured to: acquire an input image; detect an arc curve in the input image; determine a change in a luminance of a pixel in a direction from an inner side toward an outer side of the arc curve; detect, as a representative bubble region, a region including the arc curve involving a change determined to be an increase in the luminance in the direction from the inner side toward the outer side; and extract a bubble region, based on the representative bubble region.

Abstract: An infrared fluorescence observation device includes a light source configured to irradiate visible light and excitation light including a longer wavelength band than the visible light, an imaging unit on which generates a first image on the basis of second light obtained by attenuating a wavelength band including the excitation light from first light emitted from the subject irradiated with at least the excitation light and generates a second image on the basis of third light obtained by eliminating only the wavelength band of the fluorescence including a longer wavelength band than the excitation light from the second light, and a signal processing unit generates a third image according to light of a wavelength band including the fluorescence using the first image and the second image.

Abstract: An endoscope apparatus includes: a camera including an imaging unit configured to receive light and convert the light into an electric signal; a first cable configured to transmit the electric signal, one end of the first cable being connected to the camera; an operating unit connected to another end of the first cable and including an electrooptic conversion unit configured to convert the electric signal transmitted through the first cable into an optical signal, and a switch configured to receive user operations; a second cable configured to transmit the optical signal, one end of the second cable being connected to the operating unit; and a connector provided to another end of the second cable and configured to connect the other end of the second cable to an external device.

Abstract: A medical system for illuminating a structure of interest inside a human or animal body, the medical system comprising: i) a medical device comprising a controllable light source according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that said medical system comprises: ii) a control unit for generating a control signal for controlling the controllable light source, wherein the control unit comprises, iii) a receiving unit configured to receive data of the human or animal body, iv) a further receiving unit (266, 366) configured to receive stored information from a memory (261, 361), said memory configured for storing information as to i) a depth of a structure of interest (220, 320) within a tissue and/or a cavity of the human or animal body, and ii) the wavelength, or range of wavelengths suitable for illuminating the structure of interest (220, 320) based on the depth of said structure of interest (220, 320) within the tissue and/or the cavity, whereby the control unit is arranged to generate, based on t

Abstract: A light source driving apparatus according to an embodiment of the present technology includes a reception unit, an output unit, a sample unit, and a timing output unit. The reception unit receives a pulse modulation signal for pulse-driving a light source. The output unit outputs a delay modulation signal obtained by delaying the received pulse modulation signal to the light source. The sample unit samples, at a predetermined timing, a light amount of the light source driven on the basis of the delay modulation signal. The timing output unit outputs, to the sample unit, a pulse fall timing of the received pulse modulation signal as the predetermined timing.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to the field of tissue dissection. Specifically, the present disclosure relates to medical devices which lift and retract tissue during a dissection procedure to improve visualization of the target tissue and mitigate obstruction of dissection tools. In particular, the present disclosure relates to a tissue retraction device which moves from a constrained to relaxed configuration to immobilize and retract the dissected portion of target tissue during a dissection procedure.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for modelling a lens (104) of an eye (100), comprising: measuring (302) the anterior shape of the eye's cornea (102); determining (304) direct optical measurements of at least one parameter of the cornea (102) of the eye (100) and at least one parameter of the lens (104) of the eye (100); determining (306) the refractive index of the cornea; correcting (308) the optical measurements to account for the effect of the refractive index of the cornea on the direct optical measurements; measuring (310) the aberration of the eye; calculating (312) the refractive index of the lens by combining the corrected measurements and the aberration; and further correcting (314) the optical measurements of the lens to account the effect of the refractive index of the lens on the direct optical measurements.

Abstract: A refraction device determines a refraction end point to provide corrective optics for a test subject. The device includes an adjustable optical system providing corrective optics to the test subject and an adjustable viewing target disposed along an optical path such as to be viewable through the adjustable optical system by a test subject. The adjustable viewing target includes a directional indicator linked synchronously to at least two choices of corrective optics presented to the test subject.

Abstract: Various methods of displaying combined structural and functional disease progression information of a patient's eye are described. In one exemplary method, a set of structural measurements of the patient's eye is received. The set of structural measurements are taken at a plurality of testing dates. A set of functional measurements of the patient's eye is received. The set of functional measurements are taken at a plurality of testing dates. A single viewport comprising a side by side display of structural and functional measurements over a common time scale is generated, which is then displayed or the results of the generated viewport are stored. The structural and functional measurements are arranged in a chronological order of testing dates over the common time scale. Further, a structural and a functional measurement that have testing dates falling within a certain time period are placed in close proximity to each other for comparison purposes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an optical coherence tomography method, comprising: providing a beam of imaging radiation from a radiation source of an optical coherence tomography apparatus; directing, using directing optics, the beam of imaging radiation towards a fundus of a human or animal eye; and receiving a reflected portion of the imaging radiation by the optical coherence tomography apparatus; wherein the method further comprises: providing, by a tracking camera, a tracking image of an image area covering at least a part of said fundus; analyzing the tracking image for detecting a displacement of the fundus; and adapting, at least dependent on the detected displacement, a direction of the beam of imaging radiation by actuating an optical correction unit of said direction optics; and in addition to said adapting of the direction of the beam of imaging radiation, adapting a location of the image area on said fundus imaged by the tracking camera at least dependent on the detected displacement.

Abstract: A tomographic image acquisition apparatus includes a first designation unit configured to designate a first position in which to acquire a first tomographic image in a fundus image of an eye to be examined, a first acquisition unit configured to acquire the first tomographic image corresponding to the first position, a second designation unit configured to designate a second position in which to acquire a second tomographic image in the first tomographic image, the second tomographic image having a higher resolution than the first tomographic image, and a second acquisition unit configured to acquire the second tomographic image based on the first position and the second position.

Abstract: Provided is a snapshot spectral domain optical coherence tomographer comprising a light source providing a plurality of beamlets; a beam splitter, splitting the plurality of beamlets into a reference arm and a sample arm; a first optical system that projects the sample arm onto multiple locations of a sample; a second optical system for collection of a plurality of reflected sample beamlets; a third optical system projecting the reference arm to a reflecting surface and receiving a plurality of reflected reference beamlets; a parallel interferometer that provides a plurality of interferograms from each of the plurality of sample beamlets with each of the plurality of reference beamlets; an optical image mapper configured to spatially separate the plurality of interferograms; a spectrometer configured to disperse each of the interferograms into its respective spectral components and project each interferogram in parallel; and a photodetector providing photon quantification.

Abstract: A fundus image capture system operates to determine if the system has captured an image that identifies the fundus, a region of interest in the image, or the current field of view. According to the determination, the system can guide the user to operate the system to capture a desired fundus image.

Abstract: A method for assessing glaucoma in a patient may involve measuring an intraocular pressure of the patient and measuring an intracranial pressure in the patient, using a noninvasive eye tracking system. The method may then involve comparing the intraocular pressure to the intracranial pressure and assessing glaucoma in the patient, based on the comparing of the intraocular pressure to the intracranial pressure.