Abstract: A device for heating an amount of liquid in a container using steam, comprising a steam conduit coaxially arranged in a tubular element which axially extends substantially from the inlet end to the outlet end of the steam conduit from which it is radially spaced thereby forming a first axially-extending annular air gap. Said tubular element is coaxially arranged in a sleeve thereby forming a second axially-extending air gap, said first air gap and said second air gap being closed at both respective axial ends on said tubular element. The steam conduit is made of a polymeric material having a low heat transfer coefficient, the tubular element is made of a metal material and said sleeve is also made of a polymeric material having a low heat transfer coefficient.

Abstract: A kitchen appliance includes a hot liquid generator, at least one heater, at least one temperature sensor, a discharge port in fluid communication with the hot liquid generator, a first pump, and a controller that actuates the at least one heater to heat liquid in the hot liquid generator, receives signals from the at least one temperature sensor and records an elapsed time in which liquid in the hot liquid generator is heated from a first temperature to a second temperature, calculates the volume of the liquid in the hot liquid generator based on the elapsed time and the first and second temperatures, and compares the calculated volume to a range of expected volumes. Depending on the comparison, the controller actuates the first pump to pump liquid out of the hot liquid generator to the discharge port or outputs an error signal.

Abstract: A utility stick device provides a reliable, compact, portable and useful tool for open fire cooking and barbequing, and for use with other attachments. It also provides a changeable tool having a variety of cooking heads and attachments, which can be compact and portable. This utility stick can include different attachments such as a marshmallow fork, a weiner fork, a net for retrieving golf balls, among others. To use, just unscrew the attachment and put on a different one. The variety of attachments can also include a popcorn basket, a popsicle pizza, a toaster tray, a pizza oven, a house duster, a mechanic's magnet, and a paint mixing attachment.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a system, apparatus, and method for a modular food tray system having a plurality of food trays that can be used for heating, cooling, or a combination thereof. The system can include a first food tray for heating and a second food tray for cooling, generally mounted at a different elevation from the first food tray. Alternatively, one or both of the food trays can be designed for cooling through temperature elements coupled thereto and the tray can be heated by overhead radiant heating elements for dual temperature capabilities. The first food tray can be mounted above the second food tray. The first food tray can include a thermal shield between a heating element in the first food tray and the second food tray. In other embodiments, the second food tray can be mounted above the first food tray with a thermal shield therebetween.

Abstract: A roller grill includes a housing structure adapted to support the roller grill; a plurality of tubular heating surfaces mounted between a first end of the housing structure and a second end of the housing structure; a first side housing coupled to the first end of the housing structure; a second side housing coupled to the second end of the housing structure, at least one of the first side housing or the second housing including a pressurized plenum maintainable at a plenum air pressure that is greater than a tubular air pressure of an inner volume of the plurality of tubular heating surfaces; and a drive assembly at least partially enclosed in the first side housing or the second side housing, the drive assembly configured to rotatably drive the plurality of tubular heating surfaces.

Abstract: A heat plate assembly having a barbecue heat plate with one or more substantially co-planar heat distribution elements. By orientating the plate in the barbecue in a V-shape, and by combining the effects of ceramic stones with a heat plate, substantial even heat distribution can be provided.

Abstract: A whisk for attachment to a blending appliance including a shaft configured to connect to a source of rotary power, a plurality of flexible filament loops, and a coupling for connecting the shaft to the plurality of filament loops. The plurality of filament loops extend downwardly from the coupling to form a cage. A stem extends downwardly from the coupling in axial alignment with the shaft and disposed centrally within the cage. The stem limits deformation of the plurality of filament loops when force is applied to the shaft of the whisk.

Abstract: The present invention concerns an apparatus for breaking eggs and separating egg liquids thus obtained, comprising in a sequence of treatment,•—a first supply unit for supplying a plurality of first rows of eggs to a second unit comprising an endless conveyor (1),•—said second endless conveyor (2) comprising a plurality of corresponding second rows of egg breaker units wherein the eggs are transferred one by one from said first conveyor to said second conveyor,•—a third endless conveyor (3) for conveying a plurality of corresponding third rows of egg liquid collecting cups (30), with at least a part underneath said second conveyor for liquids being transferred from said second conveyor to said third conveyor, wherein over said underneath part said breaker units and N said cups substantially moving in register,•—a row of egg parts receptacles (4) underneath said cups for collecting at least said liquids such as albumen, yolk, and whole egg liquid, when said second conveyor is moving over said row, and•—a clean

Abstract: An inflatable paddling pool includes an inflatable main body and an inflatable baby support structure attached thereto, as well as the use of such an inflatable paddling pool for cooling, bathing or washing a baby.

Abstract: Shower curtains and shower curtain liners routinely get sucked into the occupant of a showering space due to the “shower-curtain effect,” which is the phenomenon in which a shower curtain or shower curtain liner gets drawn inward with a running shower. The present invention counteracts the shower curtain effect. In certain an embodiments of the invention, an outside unit and inside unit incorporate attachment mechanisms to draw both units into each other while trapping the shower curtain between both units. Attached to the outside unit of certain embodiments of the invention is a connector that also attaches a bottom unit. The bottom unit of certain embodiments of the present invention incorporates weight sufficient to utilize gravity to pull the attached shower curtain downward. The bottom unit places pressure on the external side of a bathtub to additionally force the entire apparatus and shower curtain outward.

Abstract: Implementations of a soap dish insert are provided. In some implementations, the soap dish insert includes a platform raised above a surface by a plurality of legs extending from the bottom of the platform. In some implementations, the platform includes a first opening extending through the platform. The soap dish insert further comprises a hollow member having sidewalls extending from an inner portion of the platform and having an opening extending through the hollow member thereby forming an enclosure. In some implementations, the opening of the hollow member is aligned with the opening of the platform such that the soap dish insert includes an opening extending from the top edge of the soap dish to the bottom of the soap dish insert. In some implementations, the platform further comprises one or more additional openings extending through the platform.

Abstract: Among other things, a dispenser for dispensing material is provided herein. The dispenser includes a cover. The dispenser is configured to receive a container from which material is dispensed. The container is adapted to be supported by the cover. Biasing structure is adapted to apply a force to the container to facilitate dispensing the material from the container.

Abstract: A dispensing system comprises a first electronic sensor and a controller. The first electronic sensor may be configured to detect a first change from a first amount of a fluid product in a dispensing system reservoir to a second amount of the fluid product in the dispensing system reservoir. The controller may be coupled to the first electronic sensor and configured to receive a first signal from the first electronic sensor indicative of the first change. The dispensing system reservoir may be disposed in the dispensing system. A method for determining a remaining service interval for a dispensing system reservoir is also provided.

Abstract: A foam dispensing mechanism (100; 600) comprises: a top (113); a cylindrical wall (112; 612) extending from a peripheral edge of the top; a piston member (170) arranged within the cylindrical wall; a dispense head (120) axially displaceable with respect to the top; a resilient bias member (130) for biasing the dispense head. The piston member has a first opening (176) and a coupling cylinder (178) arranged coaxially around said first opening. The dispense head has a cylindrical seal member (150) positionally fixed with respect to the dispense head (120), the seal member (150) having a first passage opening (156) with a valve seat (151), wherein the seal member's lower portion (157) is sealingly and axially slidably coupled to the coupling cylinder. An axially displaceable valve member (190) for blocking or releasing said first passage opening has a valve stem (192) having its end (193) coupled to the piston member.

Abstract: A ultrasonic cleanser includes: a housing; a ultrasonic sprayer, configured inside the housing; a ultrasonically vibrational scraper, coupled to the housing and extended out of the housing partly; a main circuit board, configured inside the housing, an output end of the main circuit board being in connection with the ultrasonic sprayer and ultrasonically vibrational scraper, and providing high frequency vibration signals; a button, configured on the housing and in electric connection with the main circuit board; and a power source, configured inside the housing, in electric connection with the main circuit board and providing power needed for the action of the main circuit board. The structure mention above combines two kinds of face cleansing manners; users may clean their faces with spray or scrape dirt on their faces by means of the physical approach with a scraper, thereby achieving a function combination and good clean effect.

Abstract: A toilet paper roll support and dispenser (10) can include an elongated arm (14) extendable through sliding and pivoting movement with respect to a bracket (12). The bracket (12) can be attachable in a stationary fixed position with respect to pre-existing toilet paper roll support structure (13) including a pair of spaced apart, outwardly extending wall mounted support members (13a, 13b) with a spring loaded cylinder (13c) releasibly engageable and supportable therebetween. The elongated arm (14) can transition during sliding and pivoting movement with respect to the bracket (12) between a storage position (18), an intermediate position (17), and a use position (16). The elongated arm (14) can include a stop (28) adjacent one end (14a) and can support a spindle (24) for a toilet paper roll adjacent one end (14b).

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner for cleaning a surface is convertible between an upright mode and a canister mode. The vacuum cleaner includes a diverter assembly to selectively divert a working air flow through different working air flow paths which correspond to the upright mode and the canister mode.

Abstract: A cleaning system includes a robotic cleaner and an evacuation station. The robotic cleaner can dock with the evacuation station to have debris evacuated by the evacuation station. The robotic cleaner includes a bin to store debris, and the bin includes a port door through which the debris can be evacuated into the evacuation station. The evacuation station includes a vacuum motor to evacuate the bin of the robotic cleaner.

Abstract: A dust collecting device includes a tank and a main body housing a motor and detachably attachable to an upper part of the tank. A handle and a cover are both provided in an upper part of the main body. The handle is capable of being raised and turned down around a handle rotation shaft. The cover is capable of being opened and closed around a cover rotation shaft and covers a housing portion provided in the main body in a closed position. The cover rotation shaft is provided in parallel to the handle rotation shaft. The cover rotation shaft is positioned closer to a grip portion of the handle than the handle rotation shaft so as to overlap with a part of the handle. The handle rotation shaft is positioned closer to the cover than the cover rotation shaft so as to overlap with a part of cover.

Abstract: A robot cleaner drives various brushes using a single motor. The robot cleaner includes a main body having a suction port, a main brush rotatably disposed in the suction port, an auxiliary brush rotatably disposed adjacent to the main brush and at least one side brush rotatably installed to move dust to the suction port, wherein the main brush, the auxiliary brush, and the at least one side brush are driven by a single motor in an interlocking fashion.

Abstract: A tool for a vacuum cleaner that includes a nozzle and a bristle assembly. An elongate suction opening is provided in a base of the nozzle. The bristle assembly is mounted within the nozzle and includes a carrier to which a strip of bristles is attached. The carrier pivots or flexes relative to the nozzle and has a pair of wings located on opposite sides of the bristles.

Abstract: A tool for a vacuum cleaner comprising a duct for attachment to a wand, hose or the like of the vacuum cleaner, a nozzle and one of more dirt-sweeping elements. The dirt-sweeping elements are secured to a base of the nozzle and are arranged into at least two chevrons oriented in opposite directions towards the sides of the nozzle. At least two suction openings are then provided in the base of the nozzle, each suction opening being located within a chevron.

Abstract: A tool for a vacuum cleaner that includes a nozzle and a duct for attachment to a wand, hose or the like of the vacuum cleaner. One or more suction openings are provided in a base of the nozzle. The front of the nozzle includes a chamfered section and a further section. A suction opening is then provided in the further section, and the chamfered section is closed. The internal angle formed between the chamfered section and the further section is greater than 90 degrees and less than 180 degrees.

Abstract: A cyclone dust collecting apparatus and a cleaner having the same include a grille unit including an introduction pipe communicating with the suction port and adapted to guide the air into the main cyclone chamber, and a grille body detachably provided to the introduction pipe and allowing the air to be discharged from the main cyclone chamber after dust particles in the air having a size greater than or equal to a certain size is filtered out. With this configuration, the spatial utilization of the cyclone structure may be facilitated, and visualization of the dust collection chamber may allow a user to gain satisfaction from cleaning operation.

Abstract: Applicant has created systems, methods, and apparatuses for controlling the power supply of a vacuum cleaner motor. The systems and apparatuses include pressure taps to detect a pressure differential within a vacuum cleaner, a float that adjusts depending on an amount of liquid stored, and a power switch that toggles based on the pressure differential created by the position of the float. Alternatively, the float can be replaced by an air chamber so that the pressure differential is created by liquid rising above the volume of air trapped in the chamber. The method can include interrupting the current supplied to an electrical circuit of a power switch based upon a pressure differential created within the vacuum. By controlling the power supply to a vacuum cleaner motor based on a pressure differential created by the amount of liquid stored within the vacuum cleaner, the vacuum cleaner can automatically disable the vacuum cleaner's motor as the vacuum approaches its maximum liquid capacity.

Abstract: A robot cleaner and controlling method thereof are disclosed. Accordingly, a cleaning area is partitioned with reference to a door by recognizing the door and the partitioned cleaning areas can be cleaned in consecutive order. The present invention includes the steps of deriving a door location in a cleaning area through an image information, composing a cleaning map by detecting an obstacle in the cleaning area, creating a room information for distinguishing a plurality of rooms partitioned with reference to the door from each other by having the derived door location reflected in the cleaning map, and performing a cleaning by room units distinguished from each other through the room information.

Abstract: A mist generating system for a cleaning implement is adapted to generate a finely atomized liquid mist for suppressing dust, allergens, and other airborne particulates. The mist generating system can be adapted to fit many cleaning implements such as vacuum cleaners, wet extraction cleaners, floor mops, and dusters to suppress airborne dust and particulates generated during operation and the cleaning process.

Abstract: A self-adhesive cleaning wipe for use in cleaning dental mirrors and instruments. The self-adhesive cleaning wipe is placed on the surface of protective gloves worn by dental professionals, thereby providing a conveniently accessible absorbent cleaning surface for mirrors and instruments when they become soiled, wet, or fogged. The self-adhesive cleaning wipe is removable and disposable in order to facilitate infection control.

Abstract: A multi-ply cleaning sheet. The cleaning sheet has a preferred basis weight/cumulative volume combination. This combination decouples wet cleaning performance from the cost of the sheet associated with the basis weight of the constituent plies. The cleaning sheet may be pre-wetted.

Abstract: A mesh back mop head includes a cleaning surface and a backing member. The cleaning surface is secured to the backing member along a plurality lines to define channels in the cleaning surface. The backing member is formed from an open mesh material that substantially allows the free flow of liquid therethrough. The backing member includes at least one receiver operably mounted to the backing member for receiving a mop head frame. A cleaning system and a method of cleaning using the mesh back mop head are disclosed.

Abstract: A cleaning cloth, and in particular a cleaning cloth for floors suitable for being attached to a mop base, and fitted with special coupling devices that make it easy to attach it to the mop base and ensure it is held securely.

Abstract: A dishwasher includes a shiftable rack provided with a washing agent dispersal system including a housing into which washing fluid is delivered. When the rack is shifted to a retracted position within a tub of the dishwasher, a tube feed system is employed to selectively distribute washing fluid from a pump assembly to each of multiple spray arms, the housing of the washing agent dispersal system and an auxiliary spray unit carried by the upper rack.

Abstract: A method of cleaning utilising ultrasound to boost bleach performance.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an adhesive tape cleaner for removing foreign substances such as dust or hair from clothes, blankets or the like. More particularly, the present invention relates to an adhesive tape cleaner comprising a cylindrical roller which has an outer surface having an accommodation part and which rotates about a center shaft; a handle which includes a fixing member (210) arranged to be projectable toward the accommodation part, and which is forcedly inserted into the center shaft; and a tape fitted to the outer surface of the roller. The fixing member is fixed at one point of the accommodation part when projected, thus easily recognizing the cut part of the tape.

Abstract: Systems and methods for endoscopic procedures employ a first technique to ensure initial correct alignment of an endoscope (100) with a desired target (10). A reference image (51) is then acquired from an imaging arrangement associated with the endoscope. During a subsequent stage of the procedure, tracking of the endoscope position relative to the target is performed partially or entirely by image-based tracking by comparing features in real-time video image (52) produced by imaging arrangement with features in the reference image (51). The feature comparison may be performed visually by a user, or may be automated to offer more specific corrective suggestions to the user.

Abstract: A medical diagnostic instrument or optical module includes a housing retaining an optical assembly having at least one variable focus lens and an electronic imaging element each disposed along a common optical axis. The electronic imaging element is axially movable along the imaging axis to provide focusing along with the at least one variable focus lens with regard to a target of interest in order to enable multiple and disparate examination modes to be conducted.

Abstract: An inserting state acquiring section is configured to acquire inserting state information of an inserting section that is to be inserted into an insertion subject, an insertion subject shape acquiring section is configured to acquire insertion subject shape information that is shape information of the insertion subject, and a positional relation calculating section is configured to be input the inserting state information and the insertion subject shape information and to calculate a positional relation of the inserting section to the insertion subject. When an output section outputs the calculation result of the positional relation calculating section, a control section is configured to control an output state of the calculation result in the output section.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a catheter using an optical fiber and a camera, into which the camera for lighting and the optical fiber for lighting are built so that the camera can be used during an internal examination and treatment amid irradiation of light by the optical fiber. According to the present invention, the diameter of a shaft can be minimized while forming a hole in the shaft for the camera, the optical fiber, a wire, and medicine to be inserted, and the camera, the optical fiber, and a distal end of a medicine injection tube are driven at the same time and in the same manner following the driving of the wire so that internal imaging, light irradiation, and medicine injection can be performed with accuracy.

Abstract: An endoscope comprising a lens, and an anti-fog film, wherein an optically clear adhesive bonds the anti-fog film to the lens or lens section.

Abstract: An endoluminal access system for accessing a body lumen includes a guide track which, when in an operative position, extends through a body lumen to a desired location therewithin and a modular device selectively coupleable to the guide track, the modular device including a drive mechanism for engaging the guide track to move the modular device along the guide track within the body lumen. A method of resecting tissue from a site within a body includes the steps of inserting a guide track to a desired location within the body lumen, coupling a modular device to a proximal end of the guide track and actuating a motor mounted within the modular device to drive the modular device distally along the guide track to the site, drawing tissue at the site into the modular device in combination with the steps of coupling together a portion of tissue adjacent to the site, resecting the tissue from the site and actuating the motor to drive the modular device proximally to withdraw the modular device from the body lumen.

Abstract: An actuator for a surgical instrument. The actuator including: a sliding tube; and a rotor arranged in said sliding tube; wherein the sliding tube has at one end a receiving cavity for a rotor positioning key, the receiving cavity being configured such that after the rotor positioning key has been positioned in the receiving cavity, and after the rotor positioning key has been twisted in the receiving cavity, the rotor positioning key is releasably locked.

Abstract: Methods of tagging cancerous tissue for diagnostic applications, mainly for cancer screening purposes, include oral or luminal administrating of a tag molecule into a patient's gastrointestinal lumen either orally or through an enema, and tagging cancerous tissue present within the lumen with the tag molecule. The tag molecule may be a near infrared dye, e.g., IR783 or a derivative thereof, which showed to be of high concentration within cancerous tissue compared to normal tissue. The near infrared IR783 dye is administered, either orally or through an enema, as part of a pharmaceutical composition or formulation either as is or conjugated to a specific polymer. The formulation may comprise an enteric coating in order to keep the formulation intact prior to it reaching the target organ, which is to be tagged by the formulation.

Abstract: An endoscope includes a detachable wireless imaging device and an insertion tube having a distal end region. The attachment of the detachable wireless imaging device detachably attaches the detachable wireless imaging device to the distal end region of the insertion tube.

Abstract: An endoscope with lateral illumination including: an endoscope shaft with an outer tube; an input lens arranged in a distal area of the outer tube, the input lens having a viewing direction pivotable in at least one pivot plane; two or more illumination optical-fiber bundles terminating at output surfaces at a distal tip, wherein a first illumination optical-fiber bundle generates an illumination, at a 0° viewing angle, and a second illumination optical-fiber bundle generates an illumination of another area with a lateral viewing angle or lateral viewing-angle range of between 0° and 90°; and one or more light-emitting diodes arranged in or on a circumference of the endoscope shaft in an area of the distal tip, wherein the light-emitting diode(s) is/are arranged in the pivot plane and/or around the pivot plane, in order to generate an illumination at a viewing angle or a viewing-angle range of about 90°.

Abstract: An eye viewing device includes an imaging assembly having at least two optical components disposed along an optical axis of the device. An adapter is attachable to the device and is aligned along the imaging axis of the device, the adapter having at least one adaptive optical element configured for projecting an image of the ear along the imaging axis for viewing without modification to the device and enabling separate examination modes.

Abstract: The invention, in some aspects relates to light-activated ion channel polypeptides and encoding nucleic acids and also relates in part to compositions comprising light-activated ion channel polypeptides and methods using light-activated ion channel polypeptides to alter cell activity and function.

Abstract: In one aspect, there is provided an embodiment of a calibration system for use with a vision tester having a display. In this particular embodiment, the calibration system comprises a calibration stand and a reflective surface. The calibration stand is configured to hold the vision tester. The reflective surface is coupled to the calibration stand and is oriented substantially parallel to the display. The calibration stand is configured to hold the display of the vision tester at a fixed distance from the reflective surface.

Abstract: Certain embodiments are directed to methods and apparatus for ultrafast MWP-OCT that is based on precise control of the OCT tunable-laser source combined with synchronization of the photothermal excitation laser emission. The invention is generally related to physics, biology, medicine, and imaging. In certain embodiments the field of the invention is directed to multiple wavelength photothermal optical coherence tomography.

Abstract: A new device, called Afferent Pupil Tester, designed for close up and magnified examination of both pupils at the same time, superimposed, as they react to direct and consensual light, comprises of high plus lenses, measuring grid, bright LED lights controlled with momentary switches, UV lights controlled by momentary switches, batteries, built-in camera and/or external camera, detachable facemask, and a sturdy casing.

Abstract: A one-camera, binocular, video-oculography (1CBVOG) system for measuring the movement of both of the eyes of a test subject, while the head of the test subject is undergoing a period of vestibular or oculomotor stimulation, includes: (a) a base frame, (b) a binocular imaging component, including a video camera adapted to capture a sequence of images containing both of the eyes of the test subject, (c) an optical component, (d) an illumination source, (e) a sensor module that senses translational and rotational motion of the head along and about three, mutually orthogonal axes that approximately align with the axes of the inner ears' semicircular canals, and (f) a computing device configured to quantify and measure the movement of the test subject's eyes from the sequence of captured images.