Abstract: In an embodiment, a multi-functional accessory serves as a platform for implementing modifications to a product in a time-saving and less costly manner, whereas the modifications would otherwise be made to the product itself. In an embodiment, the product is inserted into the multi-functional accessory. In an embodiment, the multi-functional accessory may be utilized in applications with exposure to a liquid or moisture and in dry applications with no or minimal exposure to a liquid or moisture.

Abstract: A spring-loaded adjustable window rack for hanging window treatments. A window rack is formed from a plurality of slide members, a plurality of multi-directional connectors, and at least one spring-loaded coupler, wherein the plurality of slide members is attached to each other by the plurality of multi-directional connectors. Each of the at least one spring-loaded couplers is attached in between a specific connector from the plurality of multi-directional connectors and a corresponding slide member from the plurality of slide members. By compressing the at least one spring the window rack can be slid into a window frame, wherein the spring force holds the window rack in place. A window treatment support can be attached to the window rack for creating three dimensional window treatment arrangements.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a cord embedded roman shade curtain which is configured to include a curtain 10, a pocket curtain 20, a connection belt 30, and a cord 40. Further, the present invention relates to a cord embedded roman shade which is configured to include a curtain 10, a pocket curtain 20, a connection belt 30, a cord 40, a rotating bar 50, a frame 60, and a tow rope 70. Therefore, the curtain can be integrally woven without forming a separate ring and the cord is not exposed to the outside to prevent the accidents that the cord is wound around a child's hand or neck.

Abstract: An architectural mesh hanging system having a hanger assembly including a hanger tube having a plurality of openings and an architectural mesh panel of predetermined size having an uppermost edge defined by a plurality of loops. The plurality of loops are positioned within the plurality of openings in the hanger tube and a retaining rod is disposed through the plurality of loops within an interior of the hanger tube, thereby preventing the plurality of loops from displacement out of the plurality of opening.

Abstract: A smokeless stovetop grilling device includes a grilling surface, a catch tray a manifold and a pressurized fluid source. The grilling surface has a plurality of upward pointing V-shaped first members attached at first and second ends to a first supporting frame. The catch tray has a plurality of hollow core downward pointing V-shaped second members attached at first and second ends to a second supporting frame. Adjacent pairs of the side edges of the first and second members are spaced from one another by a first distance. The first supporting frame is located over the second supporting frame such that drippings from the grilling surface fall into the catch tray. The pressurized fluid source forces cooling fluid through the second members, preventing the catch tray from smoking. A heat conducting element has upward pointing third members extending upwardly between the second members to heat undersides of the first members.

Abstract: A cart suitable for supporting a grill, including a grill bowl. The cart has two union members with curved channels for receiving tubular, U-shaped frame members. The union members may be in the form of two similar (but not necessarily identical) halves joined together to enclose the frame members. The tubular channels of the union members resist movement (such as twisting and tilting) in at least two directions. The union members lock the frame members in place with internal protrusions that fit into mating depressions or holes in the frame members. Extra rigidity is added to the cart by one or more side tables which are structural members as well as functional tables. The side tables thus serve as cross-members between two frame assemblies. The grill's lid can easily be tilted back to rest in place on lid supports underneath the bottom edge and contact points on the side tables.

Abstract: An infusion device for infusion capsules, particularly for espresso coffee machines, comprising a filter basket holder cylinder and a piston which can move with respect to each other from a configuration for loading and unloading at least one capsule for infusions into or from the filter basket holder cylinder to a dispensing configuration and vice versa, the device comprising first elements for movement of at least one of the filter basket holder cylinder and the piston for their first relative movement from the loading and unloading configuration to an intermediate configuration that is comprised between the loading and unloading configuration and the dispensing configuration and vice versa, and second elements for moving at least one of the filter basket holder cylinder and the piston for a second relative movement thereof from the intermediate configuration to the dispensing configuration and vice versa.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing brewed beverages, having a brewing unit which has a brewing chamber, into which a capsule can be introduced through an introduction shaft.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide improved water fill capabilities, improved coffee baskets, and improved steam diverting and management features for coffee makers used on board passenger transport vehicles.

Abstract: A machine for preparing a liquid food or beverage has an outermost housing that includes a top part and downwardly extending sidewalls which cover and shield at least part of a liquid food or beverage module. The downwardly extending sidewalls have a portion that forms, optionally together with a portion of the top part, a grip seizable by a human hand such that the machine can be carried and displaced single handed by seizure of the grip.

Abstract: A device for preparing a heated liquid for use with a beverage-making appliance includes a liquid transport channel in communication with a liquid reservoir which discharges into a first chamber. The first chamber includes a steam inlet which is connectable to a steam generator. A second chamber of the device is connected to the first chamber via a restriction and has a liquid outlet. The device is in the form of a cartridge n which the liquid reservoir, the liquid transport channel, the first chamber, the steam inlet, the restriction, the second chamber, and the liquid outlet are provided. All components of the device are integrated into one cartridge, so the cartridge can be discarded after use.

Abstract: Beverage preparation device provided with a discharge (3) that is height—adjustable by hand characterized in that the discharge (3) comprises an adjustment arm (9) that is hingeably attached to a housing (4) in a hinge point (5) with a supply end (9a), wherein the adjustment arm can be pressed down or pushed up, which adjustment arm (9) at a delivery end (9b) is provided with a delivery head (6) with a delivery opening (7), wherein the delivery head (6) is pivotable around a pivot axis (2) arranged perpendicularly to the adjustment arm (9) by suspension from the adjustment arm (9) via hinge means (8a, 8b) arranged at the delivery end (9b) and arranged at the pivot axis (2), in such a way that the delivery opening (7) when pivoting the adjustment arm (9) maintains a substantially constant orientation.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating food substances includes a cutting plate defining a longitudinal axis and having at least one cutting surface for supporting food substances and a collecting tray releasably mountable to the cutting plate. The collecting tray defines a reservoir for collecting food substances cut on the cutting surface. The collecting tray may define a spout adapted to facilitate pouring of liquid material of the food substances. The collecting tray may define first and second spout segments. The first and second spouts may be disposed in diametrical opposed relation.

Abstract: A cutting board includes an opening for a rotatable disc. The rotatable disc may be inserted into the cutting board and allow a user to rotate food or other objects to be cut on the rotatable disc. This allows the user to maintain a cutting object, such as a knife, in a fixed location and rotate the rotatable disc to cut the object at varying angles. The rotatable disc can be interchanged with rotatable discs with various surfaces, such as a cutting surface for slicing or grating. The cutting board may also include a removable tray underneath the board for collecting food cut by the cutting 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 food processor is provided which includes a container, a blade assembly, a lid configured to cover the top of the container, and a handle attached to the lid. The handle may be movable between at least a first position and a second position with respect to the lid, where when the handle is in the first position, the lid is capable of being coupled to the container, and when the handle is in the second position, the lid is locked to the container. When the handle is in the first position, the motor may be prevented from being activated, and when the handle is in the second position activation of the motor may be permitted. A release button on the lid may be configured to move the handle out of the second position.

Abstract: Food processing apparatus and methods for processing food are disclosed. The apparatus may include stored sequences for operating a processing tool. The stored sequences may address various challenging aspects of blending solid foods and/or ice. In some embodiments, particular sequences are implemented with specific processing tools.

Abstract: A pen for washing a small child, intended for use in a shower or bathtub. The floor panel is flat, resilient for the comfort and safety of the child, and perforated to allow water to flow through. The upper frame assembly provides a handrail too high for the child to trip, fall, or climb over, but low enough for the child to comfortably hold itself upright or pull itself to a standing position. Smooth, perforated side panels allow free flow of water while safely confining the child to the interior of the pen. For use in bathing, the pen relies on the surrounding bathtub to hold water. For use in showering, the pen retains no water. The pen may be collapsible for easy storage.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for creating a shower or bath enclosure, in which, given a predetermined area in which to create the shower or bath, a given prefabricated water proof bath or shower floor module is too small to occupy the entire available enclosure space. The apparatus includes the use of one or more additional enclosure components, such as one or more shower benches, to occupy a space between an edge or edges of the floor module and the exterior boundary(ies) of the enclosure space.

Abstract: A toilet seat cover assembly that has a cover shaped to fit over a toilet seat, the cover including internal side walls and an arm assembly disposed within the cover, the arm assembly including at least one arm that radially spans from an axis of rotation, defines a path of rotation, has a proximal end and a distal end, the distal end defining a discontinuity between the distal end and the internal side walls such that it is operable to move freely of the internal side walls, and defines a first plurality of cutouts fluidly coupled to a liquid source and sized to discharge liquid matter over the toilet seat.

Abstract: A storage system for a vacuum cleaning system has a hose storage structure defining a storage chamber having a storage chamber inlet port and a storage chamber outlet operatively connected to the common chamber operatively connected to a vacuum. The storage chamber defines a chamber cross-sectional area. The hose end carrier defines a carrier cross-sectional area, where the carrier cross-sectional area is slightly less than the chamber cross-sectional area. The hose member defines a hose cross-sectional area, where the hose member cross-sectional area is sized and dimension with respect to the carrier cross-sectional area to facilitate movement of the hose member along the storage chamber.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner has a separation/collection module for separating dirt and other contaminants from a dirt-containing working airstream and collecting the separated dirt. The module can include at least one cyclonic separation stage and an exhaust grill fluidly positioned between the separation stage and an air outlet from the collection module.

Abstract: An anti-microbial sponge device provides an ergonomic gripping surface while also resisting the accumulation of microbial agents thereon. The device includes a gripping surface having a top side, a bottom side, and a perimeter wall extending between the top side and the bottom side. The perimeter wall comprises a front side opposite a back side, and a pair of opposed lateral sides extending between the front side and the back side. Each of the lateral sides is concavely arcuate. Each of the top side, the front side, and the back side is convexly arcuate. A sponge surface is coupled to the gripping surface. The sponge surface extends outwardly from the bottom side of the gripping surface. The sponge surface comprises a porous material. The sponge surface is non-absorbent wherein the sponge surface is configured to resist an accumulation of microbial agents thereon.

Abstract: A cleaning pad structure of stitch bonded construction incorporating one or more substrate layers of an absorbent nonwoven material with an optional additional fluid blocking substrate layer of polymer film or other suitable material in juxtaposed relation to the absorbent nonwoven layers. Stitching yarns are introduced in stitching relation through the substrate layers. One face of the pad defines a cleaning surface of raised yarn loops formed by the stitched yarns. The pad further includes an attachment surface facing away from the cleaning surface. The stitches of yarns across the attachment surface define an engagement surface for attachment to cooperating hooking elements across a surface of a mop head to define a hook and loop attachment system.

Abstract: A surface maintenance vehicle with quick release squeegee assembly and a method of connecting a squeegee assembly to the brush deck of a floor surface maintenance vehicle. A single release latch may be used to connect and disconnect the squeegee assembly and the brush deck. When engaged, corresponding locating structures on the brush deck and a frame of the squeegee assembly align the brush deck and the frame and provide points where the relative movement between the brush deck and frame are restricted.

Abstract: An automatically rotating sponge apparatus for facilitating reaching and cleaning in hard to reach places comprising an extendable rod having disposed at one end a rotating attaching member, a motor, and a switch for actuating the motor, wherein attaching member is configured to attach and hold a conventional sponge and the attaching member is connected to the motor such that it rotates about its center axis by the motor when the motor is actuated. In this manner, the rotating sponge apparatus allows a conventional sponge being held by the attaching member to be extended beyond arms reach the length of the extendable rod and automatically rotated to generate cleaning action friction.

Abstract: A dishwasher, in particular a household dishwasher, includes at least one wash compartment and a rack guide rail for support in the wash compartment of a rack which holds items to be washed and/or dried. The rack guide rail has a running surface to allow movement of the rack in and out of the wash compartment for loading and unloading purposes along a travel path supported on the running surface. The rack guide rail is hereby supported at a support point for pivoting about a pivot axis.

Abstract: A shoe cleaning apparatus includes a housing that has a top wall, a bottom wall and a perimeter wall attached to and extending between the top and bottom walls. A cleaning assembly is mounted to the housing and extends upwardly from the top wall. The cleaning assembly cleans a shoe positioned on the top wall. A drive assembly is mechanically coupled to the foot cleaning assembly and rotates a plurality of brushes of the foot assembly when the drive assembly is turned on. A vacuum is mounted within the housing and is in fluid communication with apertures extending through the top wall. The vacuum suctions material from the shoe into the housing.

Abstract: An ultrasound imaging system (10) includes a display (16) for displaying an ultrasound image and an analysis package operatively connected to the image display. The analysis package provides a user the ability to manage an ultrasound measurement-based calculation. The analysis package facilitates the management of the measurement-based calculation by displaying for the user a sequence of data entry steps. Information necessary for managing the calculation is accepted and verified at each step and then, also used to determine which step to display next. At the conclusion of the final step, the measurement-based calculation is saved in the system.

Abstract: A strain relief apparatus of a probe and a method of manufacturing the same are disclosed. The strain relief apparatus includes an insert part mounted on a probe switch box and having an insertion recess at an inner side thereof, a ferrite core mounted on the insertion recess, and a rubber part provided to the insert part by injection molding. The strain relief apparatus protects a cable of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus from impact exerted on the cable and suppresses influence on a contact point between a probe switch box and the cable by bending of the cable, thereby preventing damage of the cable.

Abstract: A system and method provide heart sound tracking, including an input circuit, configured to receive heart sound information, and a heart sound recognition circuit. The heart sound recognition circuit can be coupled to the input circuit and can be configured to recognize, within a particular heart sound of a particular heart sound waveform, a first intra heart sound energy indication and a corresponding first intra heart sound time indication using the heart sound information from the particular heart sound waveform and the heart sound information from at least one other heart sound waveform. The particular heart sound can include at least a portion of one of S1, S2, S3, and S4. Further, the first intra heart sound energy indication and the corresponding first intra heart sound time indication can correspond to the at least a portion of one of S1, S2, S3, and S4, respectively.

Abstract: A disease management system, methods, and devices are shown and described. In one embodiment, the system includes an infusion pump and a remote controller with the ability to be paired to each other. A method to verify a wireless connection between an infusion pump and a remote controller is shown and described herein. In a further embodiment, a method to verify a wireless connection between an infusion pump and a remote controller is provided. In addition, a method of operating a diabetes management system is provided in which the system includes an infusion pump and at least a remote controller.

Abstract: An electronic device can attempt to capture at least one image including at least a portion of a user's ear when the user utilizes the electronic device for certain purposes, such as to receive a call or listen to an audio file. In some embodiments, the device analyzes the captured information to determine whether the user is holding the device near the user's right ear or left ear, and adjusts functionality of the device based at least in part upon how the user is likely holding the phone. In other embodiments, the device attempts to recognize the user based on ear shape or other parameters, and can provide customized functionality of the device based at least upon that determination.

Abstract: The present invention provides a gas water bottle adaptor that is suitable for attachment to a water bottle and to a bottle cap. The adaptor can include a gas inlet on one side thereof suitable for attachment to the gas connection of an endoscope. A sealing member can be affixed to the adaptor to prevent leakage of any fluid (e.g., liquid or gas) that is inside of the water bottle. The adaptor may be used in endoscopy methods and is particularly useful for adding a secondary gas source to a water bottle.

Abstract: A airplane based communication and position finding method for receiving in a transceiver a OFDM signal from a mobile unit in an airplane. Demodulating and processing an OFDM received signal into a processed OFDM signal and processing and modulating the processed OFDM signal into a processed modulated signal. Transmitting in the airplane based transceiver the modulated signal to a satellite receiver. Receiving in the airplane based transceiver a second modulated signal from a satellite transmitter, demodulating and processing the second modulated signal into a processed second OFDM signal and modulating and transmitting said processed second OFDM signal to mobile unit. Method for processing an input voice signal, in a mobile unit, into a processed cross-correlated CDMA signal, modulating and transmitting cross-correlated CDMA signal into a modulated transmitted CDMA signal, used in a cellular system.

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 device for manipulating a magnetic coupling force across tissue in response to a monitored coupling force is described. The device includes a magnetic field source assembly, a positioning assembly operatively connected to the magnetic field force assembly, and a magnetic coupling force monitor. The magnetic field source assembly includes magnets that provide an external magnetic field source for providing a magnetic field across tissue. The positioning assembly adjusts the position of the magnetic field source. The magnetic field creates a magnetic coupling force between the external magnetic field source and an object positioned in use in a patient during a procedure, wherein the object has or is associated with an internal magnetic field.

Abstract: Systems, devices and automated methods for minimally invasive surgery. A device is fabricated of bio-compatible semiconductor elements, and can be assembled, delivered, navigated and implanted by automated methods, using Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) technology.

Abstract: Methods and devices are disclosed to reduce tissue trauma when a physician retracts a patient's tissues for surgery. In one part, methods and devices are disclosed for controlling retraction force and pace. In another part, methods and devices are disclosed for oscillating force when opening. In another part, methods and devices are disclosed for detecting trauma during retraction. In another part, methods and devices are disclosed for balancing forces on multiple retraction elements. In another part, methods and devices are disclosed for reducing forces in multiple dimensions. In another part, methods and devices are disclosed for engaging ribs. In another part, methods and devices are disclosed to compensate for deformation of a retractor under load. In another part, methods and devices are disclosed that combine these methods and devices. In another part, methods and devices are disclosed for controlling pressure inside inflatable devices used for deforming biological tissues.

Abstract: A corneal endothelial cell photographing apparatus for photographing an endothelial cell in the cornea of the examinee's eye includes an optical system, an image processor, and a display controller. The optical system includes an illuminating optical system for irradiating the cornea with illuminating light, and a light receiving optical system including a light detector and configured to receive reflected light from the cornea including the endothelial cell. The image processor analyzes each of endothelial cell images photographed at different positions on the cornea, and acquires an integrated analysis result by integrating the result of analysis of each of the endothelial cell images. The display controller displays the endothelial cell images simultaneously on a monitor with reference to an endothelial cell image photographed at a central portion of the cornea, and displays the integrated analysis result on the same screen as for the endothelial cell images.

Abstract: In a digital color image of longitudinal melanonychia, RGB parameter values of each pixel are assumed as three components to form a three-dimensional vector. Latitudinal and longitudinal variables are obtained for each three-dimensional vector in an RGB space. The latitudinal and longitudinal variables are used to define a distribution of points, and from the distribution, a discrimination index is found. The discrimination index is classified according to a threshold, to discriminate whether the longitudinal melanonychia is malignant or benign. The distribution of points is displayed to realize visualization of the malignancy of the longitudinal melanonychia.

Abstract: A covering device having first, second, and third bores in which first, second, and third portions of tubing, respectively, of a stethoscope can be inserted when the covering device is attached to the stethoscope in a first state. Each of the first, second, and third bores may have a length and a width, wherein the length of each of the first, second, and third bores is greater than its width, and wherein the width of each of the first, second and third bores is less than the outer diameter of a diaphragm device of the stethoscope. The covering device may have first, second, and third slits, each of which can be pried open to allow the first, second, and third portions of tubing to be inserted into the first, second, and third bores of the covering device, respectively.

Abstract: A biological signal measuring apparatus includes: a pressure sensor which measures a pressure in a living body; a respiratory sensor which measures respiratory information; and an outputting unit which detects an end-tidal based on the respiratory information measured by the respiratory sensor and which outputs a pressure value based on the pressure measured by the pressure sensor when detecting the end-tidal.

Abstract: A system for heart performance characterization and abnormality detection comprises an input processor and at least one signal processor. The input processor receives, sampled data representing a patient blood pressure signal and a concurrently acquired electrocardiogram (ECG) signal representing heart electrical activity of the patient. The at least one signal processor, synchronizes the patient blood pressure signal and the heart electrical activity signal, identifies at least two points of a heart electrical activity signal cycle, integrates signal data values representing the amplitude of the patient blood pressure signal of a segment between the identified two points to derive an integral value over time duration of the segment representing an area under the blood pressure signal waveform between the identified two points and in response to the derived integral value, initiates generation of a message associated with a medical condition of the patient.

Abstract: Techniques are provided for detecting pulmonary congestion based on an increase in right ventricular (RV) stroke volume over left ventricular (LV) stroke volume. In one example, the device generates an index based on accumulated differences between RV stroke volume and LV stroke volume while RV stroke volume exceeds LV stroke volume, such that the index is indicative of an ongoing imbalance between RV and LV stroke volume. The index is compared to a suitable threshold to detect a severe imbalance indicative of pulmonary edema. Additionally, techniques are described for estimating RV and LV stroke volumes based on pulmonary artery pressure, left atrial pressure, aortic pressure, LV strain or on various intracardiac or extracardiac impedance measurements.

Abstract: A stereoscopic X-ray imaging apparatus includes: right and left X-ray tubes; a diaphragm unit in which right and left openings are formed through which X-rays radiated by the right and left X-ray tubes pass, respectively; an X-ray sensor on which the X-ray radiated by each of the right and left X-ray tubes is projected; a controller configured to control positions and sizes of the right and left openings; and right and left visible light sources configured to radiate a visible light to the X-ray sensor in the same area as each of the right and left X-ray tubes through each of the right and left openings. Spectra of the visible light emitted by the right and left visible light sources are different from each other.

Abstract: A pulse detector that detects a pulse signal originating from the pulse of a human body includes: a pulse wave sensor that detects and outputs a first pulse wave signal in which the pulse signal and a noise signal are mixed; and a first filtering unit that generates an adaptive spectral line enhancer based on the first pulse wave signal, divides the first pulse wave signal into a first signal and a second signal, and outputs a second pulse wave signal including at least the first signal.

Abstract: A biometric monitoring device measuring various biometric information is provided that allows the person to take and/or display a heart rate reading by a simple user interaction with the device, e.g., by simply touching a heart rate sensor surface area or moving the device in a defined motion pattern. Some embodiments of this disclosure provide biometric monitoring devices that allow a person to get a quick heart rate reading without removing the device or interrupting their other activities. Some embodiments provide heart rate monitoring with other desirable features such as feedback on data acquisition status.

Abstract: A biometric information processing device includes a heart rate detection unit, a relative heart rate calculation unit, a relative oxygen intake calculation unit, an oxygen intake estimation unit and a calorie expenditure calculation unit. The relative heart rate calculation unit calculates a relative heart rate obtained from a first difference over a second difference, the first difference being by subtracting a resting heart rate of the subject from the heart rate, the second difference being by subtracting the resting heart rate from a maximum heart rate. The relative oxygen intake calculation unit calculates a relative oxygen intake based on the relative heart rate. The oxygen intake estimation unit estimates the oxygen intake from the relative oxygen intake. The calorie expenditure calculation unit calculates calorie expenditure based on the oxygen intake.

Abstract: A mechanical amplification device includes a three-dimensional knitted material and foam bodies and laminated in the periphery of the three-dimensional knitted material. A mechanical amplification device provided with a film is disposed between the three-dimensional knitted material and the foam bodies and is provided, and a vibration sensor is attached to this mechanical amplification device. Micro vibration on the body surface caused by a human biological signal is propagated to the foam bodies, the film, and the three-dimensional knitted material, and membrane vibration is generated in the foam bodies and the film, while string vibration of a fiber is generated in the three-dimensional knitted material. As a result, the biological signal such as heart rate, respiration, atrial and aortic vibrations and the like can be accurately transmitted.