Abstract: A can opener has two pivotable handle members and a traction wheel and a rotary cutter movable by the handle members respectively between an inoperative position in which the wheel and cutter are spaced apart for mounting onto a can and an operative position in which they are close together for turning and cutting the can. An operating lever is pivotable back and forth. A first ratchet assembly is driven by the lever upon pivotal movement in one direction for rotating the wheel in one direction. There is also a second ratchet assembly driven by the lever upon pivotal movement in the opposite direction for rotating the wheel in the same direction. Upon pivotal reciprocation, the lever rotates the wheel in the direction operating the wheel and cutter continuously, turning and cutting the can.

Abstract: A food masher includes a support frame having an opening, a hopper having a perforated floor, received detachably by the support frame within the opening, a handle extending from the support frame, a lever extending pivotally from the support frame, and a plunger attached to the lever and extending into the hopper.

Abstract: A pulpifier includes a holder having a compartment and a rear handle. A perforated screen is located in the compartment. A presser extends into the compartment and moves towards the screen. A front clamp extends from the holder for affixing the holder to a vessel supporting the pulpifier.

Abstract: A method for producing collagen-based scaffolds with improved characteristics, which broadens the usage of collagen in tissue engineering and the products so produced are described. The method comprises reconstitution of three-dimensional collagen matrices from collagen monomer solution and crosslinking the matrix with a light source in the presence of a photosensitizing reagent. The crosslinked products can be in any shape and form and used in the dry or wet state, for applications including but not limited to tissue engineering and controlled drug delivery.

Abstract: A can opener (100) has two pivotal handles (110 and 120), a traction wheel (200) and a cutter blade (300) movable by respective handles (110 and 120) for cutting open a can, and a pivotable lever (400). There is a ratchet assembly (500) driven by the lever (400) upon reciprocation for operating the traction wheel (200) and cutter blade (300), which has a ratchet wheel (510) connected with the traction wheel (200) and a spring-loaded pawl (520) movable by the lever (400) for turning the ratchet wheel (510) in a driving direction (D) upon reciprocation of the lever (400). The pawl (520) has front and rear ends (521 and 522) taken in the driving direction (D), with the front end (521) in engagement with the lever (400) and the rear end (522) engageable with the ratchet wheel (510) for turning the same.