Abstract: Embodiments described herein include a bathtub closure system having a step, the step having a first side panel, a second side panel, and an elongated platform defining a cavity, where the cavity is configured to facilitate ingress and egress into a bathtub, and a first attachment recess defined by the step. The bathtub closure system having a plug, the plug including a body having a first side, a second side, and a bottom portion, and a first attachment member corresponding to the first attachment recess defined by the step, where the plug cooperates with the step to form a substantially watertight seal when the first attachment member is mated with the first attachment recess and the body of the plug is positioned at least partially within the cavity defined by the step.

Abstract: Described is a multi-piece shower pan. The multi-piece shower pan includes a shower pan piece and a seat piece. The seat piece is formed to overlap a portion of the show pan piece during installation. The shower pan piece includes a drain hole designed to fit a drain pipe such that when the drain pipe is fastened to the shower pan piece, the drain pipe extends ½ to 2 inches above the bottom of the shower pan piece. Thus, when cement or other adhesive is floated on the interior surface of the shower pan, tiles of varying thickness can be installed in such a manner that the top surface of the tiles are flush with the top portion of the drain pipe. The shower pan piece also has a water dam with a fin as added protection against water migration outside the shower pan.

Abstract: A portable device for soap is disclosed. The portable device comprises a box for housing an inner aluminum grill where a bar of soap may be placed on the aluminum grill located within a few inches above a waste collection tray that collects water and soap residue. The waste collection tray is removable from the box for emptying and reuse. The aluminum grill keeps the soap dry and bacteria free. The portable device's box additionally has a top which when closed keeps away dust. It is envisioned that the portable device will enable a user to travel anywhere with their own soap.

Abstract: A multiple dispensing assembly provides a plurality of containers that contain and dispense a composition, such as a cosmetic gel. Each container contains a unique composition that dispenses separately from the other containers. The containers are arranged in a geometric configuration enabling adjacent attachment to form a unitary, uniform conglomeration. The containers are joined through a rail portion, comprising a male and female rail. The rail portion enables the containers to join in a substantially unitary and uniform conglomeration through a geometric configuration of the containers. The rail portion further enables each container to be independently interchanged through a sliding motion. An internal vacuum pump portion, having a floating floor, displaces the composition from a lower region to an upper region of the container. A dispensing portion includes a spout that moves between a recessed position and an operational position.

Abstract: The disclosure provides adjustable hinge fasteners and methods thereof, for securing a bidet washing apparatus to a toilet.

Abstract: Apparatus for dispensing paper toweling from a roll of paper toweling including roll support structure, a rotatable support drum to transport the paper toweling and cause rotation of the roll of paper toweling, and a rotary damper resisting formation of overspin slack in the paper toweling resulting from a pulling force applied to the paper toweling.

Abstract: The present invention is for wipe dispensers for dispensing interconnected wipes. An exemplary wipes dispenser may include a container body and a removable lid forming an interior region into which a plurality of interconnected wipes may be disposed. Pulling on a lead end of a lead wipe causes a following wipe to also be pulled and follow the lead wipe. The removable lid may cover a portion of a container aperture (e.g., an open top of the container body). A landing member in the lid covers a portion of the container aperture by extending from a top rim of the container body toward the middle of the interior region. The landing member may form an angle with a substantially vertical exterior wall of the container, where the formed angle may be less than 90°. In an embodiment, the landing member may include a concavely shaped portion. The landing member may include one or more fingers.

Abstract: Described herein is an inventive anti-splash guard for non-flush portable toilets. The innovation comprises a sloped structure either affixed to or made integral with the bottom of the holding tank of a portable toilet, positioned under the seat. The form of the inventive anti-splash guard is preferably conical, but may also be pyramidal, hemispherical and ellipsoidal. Functionally, the innovation may be submerged fully under the level of the holding tank water, so that the impact of deposited solid matter is absorbed by the anti-splash guard and not transferred to the surrounding water. In this way the upward splash of the water is suppressed, and risk of contamination to the user is greatly reduced. The disclosure describes both a portable toilet holding tank with an integrally formed anti-splash guard according to the invention, and stand-alone embodiments that may be retrofitted to existing portable toilets.

Abstract: A suction apparatus, a glass-wiping device and a run control method thereof. The suction apparatus comprises a suction cup unit (1). The suction cup unit (1) comprises an inner suction cup (11) and an outer suction cup (12). The inner suction cup (11) is arranged on the inside of the outer suction cup (12). A chamber on the inside of the inner suction cup (11) forms an inner negative pressure chamber (13) via vacuum suction. A chamber between the inner and outer suction cups (11 and 12) forms an outer negative pressure chamber (14) via vacuum suction. The outer negative pressure chamber (14) is connected to a vacuum detection unit. The vacuum detection unit comprises a distensible piece (20) and a distension-sensing piece (21). The distensible piece (20) is sealedly connected onto an opening on the top end of the outer negative pressure chamber (14). The distensible piece (20) has arranged thereon the distension-sensing piece (21).

Abstract: Disclosed is a grease trap cleaner configured to suction contaminants including, for example, sludge and waste fat collected in a grease trap and to treat the contaminants by separating the waste fat and dehydrating the sludge, the cleaner exhibiting convenient movement owing to movement wheels provided thereat and being capable of suctioning and treating both wet and dry impurities and of preventing, for example, environmental pollution, food poisoning and blockage of sewage pipes owing to cleaning of a grease trap.

Abstract: A cyclone dust separator arrangement having a first dust separating cyclone and a second dust separating cyclone. Respective air inlets of the first and second dust separating cyclones are connected in parallel to a common air supply channel. The common air supply channel includes an inertia particle separator implemented upstream of the air inlets.

Abstract: Multi-positional cleaning devices are provided. The devices have a handle, a blade holder, and a pivoting assembly. The pivoting assembly allows the handle and blade holder to be pivoted with respect to one another about a pivot axis to at least two predetermined angular positions. The pivot axis is parallel to a blade edge. The multi-positional devices can find use with a blade subassembly that has a carriage holding the blade, where the carriage cooperates with the holder to secure the blade in the holder in an easily removable manner.

Abstract: The present invention concerns an abrasive sponge (10) comprising a layer of spongy material (11) covered on at least one side, by a coating layer (13) for the removal of dirt, characterised in that inside said layer of spongy material (11), in the vicinity of the surface of the side covered with said coating layer (13) and in any case below such surface, a plurality of granules (12) of rigid material are present. The invention concerns also a process for the production of said abrasive sponge.

Abstract: An applicator, such as a pad, that includes an absorbent material to absorb an agent on at least a top surface of the pad. The pad allows a user to apply the agent to a surface of an object. The pad can be packaged in a resealable container or sealed in a one-time use package.

Abstract: A mopping assembly includes a mop bucket having a basket and an interior track formed on an inner surface thereof and a mop having a mop head configured to engage the basket. The basket engages the track on an interior surface of the bucket, so that the basket transitions within an interior portion of the bucket in a vertical direction along the longitudinal axis of the bucket, and the track includes a stop having a notch portion, and wherein the basket is configured to access the notch portion via one or more access paths.

Abstract: A cleaning apparatus for cleaning floors and/or surfaces, having a container for holding a cleaning fluid, a discharge device for discharging the cleaning fluid onto a floor and/or surface to be cleaned, and a heating device for heating and/or tempering and/or evaporating the cleaning fluid. The cleaning apparatus can easily be supplied with energy for heating and/or tempering and/or evaporating the cleaning fluid, and the apparatus can be operated cordlessly.

Abstract: A workshop garbage bin or dustbin in an elongated half-moon-shape allowing to sweep directly inside. The dustbin comprises a generally flat side posed on the ground and has three support points in contact with the ground. One of the two ends is closed while the other is the opening of the dustbin. The opening is inclined towards the dustbin and forms an obtuse angle, preferably of 115°, to facilitate introduction into the dustbin. The flat side end leans toward the ground like an ordinary dustpan; such configuration makes possible to collect a liquid spilled on the ground by scraping the ground for inserting the liquid into the dustbin and for throwing elsewhere. The surface of the dustbin is enhanced by ripples. Several dustbins may be stackable. The dustbin also is used upright, may have wheels on the bottom, sleeves on the top, and an eye opening for hooking.

Abstract: A mop bucket is disclosed that includes an effectively planar platform for allowing a user to squeeze excess fluid from a flat mop by pressing the flat mop against the working surface of the planar platform. The mop bucket comprises a receptacle, a platform, and an access connection. The receptacle comprises a base and upward surrounding outer wall. The platform is raised from the base and entirely within the outer walls of the receptacle. The platform comprises a working surface that is opposite from the base of the receptacle. The access connection connects the working surface of the platform to the receptacle for fluid to pass from the platform into the receptacle. The platform is effectively planar, and the platform is inclined relative to the base.

Abstract: A device, comprising a float, basin, and basin cover, is removably attached to interior rungs of a dishwasher via clip-hooks, and stabilized with a tongue arm, design features of the clip-hooks, and the cooperating portions of the basin or cover. The float rises to a completed water cycle ‘clean’ position as basin fills with water. The basin may block view of the float when in a ‘dirty’ position. The float provides visual indication of a completed water cycle, and therefore ‘clean’ dishes, after rising as a result of water introduced into the basin via holes in the cover. Water that was introduced into the device automatically leaves the chamber via one, or more, discharge holes/openings in the basin, while the float remains in the ‘clean’ position because of one or more retainers; e.g., magnetic force from one or more magnets. Retainers can generated and communicate position status to a smartphone.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of and a device (40) for, detecting an operational state of a dishwasher (10), in particular activation of extra wash zones and overfill situations. The device (40) is arranged to operate a motor (22) driving a dishwasher circulation pump (21) at at least one rotational speed differing from a nominal rotational speed and measure operating current of the motor (22) driving the dishwasher circulation pump (21). Further, the device is arranged to determine whether the dishwasher (10) operates in an operational state differing from a nominal operational state based on the measured circulation pump motor operating current.

Abstract: Easier loading and unloading silverware baskets for automatic dishwashers are disclosed. A disclosed example silverware basket includes four side walls defining a basket having a top opening and a bottom opening, a moveable first member dimensioned to fit within the top opening and selectively moveable between a first position near the top opening and a second position between the top opening and the bottom opening, and a moveable second member dimensioned to fit within the bottom opening and selectively moveable between a third position near the bottom opening and a fourth position between the top opening and the bottom opening.

Abstract: A dish rack including a cassette intended to be attached to the underside of a cabinet or a shelf The cassette is arranged, in a first position, to house a folded wire shelf that can be pulled out of and folded down from the cassette and that is arranged in at least two sections. In a second, folded-down position of the wire shelf, the cassette supports the rear edge of a first section of the wire shelf so that the first section hangs down at a first predetermined angle relative to the underside of the cabinet/shelf, and a second section of the wire shelf rotatably connected to the first section at the front edge thereof and capable of being folded outwards from the first section so that the second section, in a folded-out state, forms an angle with the upper side of said first section by a second predetermined angle.

Abstract: A control circuit for controlling a state of a switching circuit may include a first unit to sense and interpret a wireless signal or physical parameter as an “on” signal to transition the switching circuit to the “on” state, or as an “off” signal to transition the switching circuit to the “off” state, and to transfer a first digital signal or logic value and/or a second digital signal or logic value, which may respectively or combinatorially represent the “on” signal or the “off” signal, to a second unit via a first output and/or a second output of the first unit, respectively. The second unit may force a control input of the switching circuit to a logic value which is a function of the first digital signal or value and/or second digital signal or value and congruent with the state to which the switching circuit is to be transitioned.

Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure may include a medical device comprising an elongate member and a handle assembly connected to the elongate member. The handle housing may house a steering mechanism movable relative to the handle assembly and configured to steer the elongate member along a first plane and a second plane different from the first plane, a camera system configured to capture images from a distal end of the elongate member, and an illumination system configured to provide illuminating light from the distal end of the elongate member.

Abstract: An insertion assist information detection system includes an endoscope apparatus and a movement amount detection sensor. The endoscope apparatus includes an insertion portion to be inserted into a tube, a grasp portion which is grasped by an operator, and a movable portion which mechanically connects the insertion portion and the grasp portion to relatively move the insertion portion and the grasp portion. The movement amount detection sensor detects a relative movement amount of the insertion portion and the grasp portion in the movable portion.

Abstract: An endoscope including a first bending portion that actively performs a bending action in conjunction with a bending operation in an operation portion, a second bending portion that is provided on a proximal end side of the first bending portion, and passively performs a bending action by an external force, a flexible tube portion that is consecutively connected to a proximal end side of the second bending portion, wherein a series of helical tube portions (a first flex and a second flex) are disposed in the second bending portion and in the flexible tube portion, the helical tube portion being configured such that bending rigidity at a distal end side is higher than bending rigidity at a proximal end side, a boundary at which the bending rigidity of the helical tube portions change (a boundary between the first flex and the second flex) is set to a distal end side of the flexible tube portion, to thereby prevent buckling of the bending portion and realize good insertability of an insertion portion.

Abstract: A gas feeding duct, a suction duct, a first valve that is installed in the gas feeding duct and opens a flow passage only when gas feeding is underway, and a second valve that is installed in a part of the flow passage on an upstream side relative to the first valve, and opens the flow passage K along with gas feeding and closes the flow passage at least when suction is underway are included, and when neither gas feeding nor gas suctioning is underway, the second valve closes the flow passage in conjunction with the first valve unexpectedly opening the flow passage as a result of pressure variation in a part of the gas feeding duct on a downstream side relative to the first valve and thereby prevents reverse flow of a fluid to the upstream side relative to the second valve.

Abstract: An endoscope system includes a determining section that determines whether or not an image pickup device is moving at a predetermined speed or higher based on position/direction information and determines, when the image pickup device is not moving at the predetermined speed or higher, that a subject internal image is an image that can be pasted onto a model image of a predetermined organ in a state where the position/direction information of an objective optical window and position/direction information in a coordinate system of the predetermined organ model image are associated with each other, and an image pasting section that reads the subject internal image determined to be the image that can be pasted from the memory and pastes the subject internal image onto the model image of the predetermined organ based on the position/direction information.

Abstract: There is provided herein a tip section of a multi-camera endoscope, the tip section comprising: a front looking camera and a front discrete illuminator to essentially illuminate the Field Of View (FOV) of said front looking camera; a right side looking camera and a right discrete illuminator to essentially illuminate the FOV of said right side looking camera; a left side looking camera and a left discrete illuminator to essentially illuminate the FOV of said left side looking camera; and a multi component cover configured to cover and seal said tip section such as to essentially prevent entry of fluids from the environment of said endoscope to inner parts of said tip section.

Abstract: A fiber optic camera system may include a fiber optic camera and a video processing console. The camera may include an elongate sheath having a proximal end and a distal end, and the sheath may contain one or more illumination optical fibers and an imaging bundle having at least one fiber optic clad and multiple fiber optic cores. The camera may further include a camera body fixedly attached to the proximal end of the elongate sheath, and the camera body may contain an imaging sensor optically coupled to a proximal end of the imaging bundle and configured to generate image data and an illumination source optically coupled to proximal ends of the illumination fibers. In some embodiments, the camera body has no connection member for connecting a secondary illumination source to the camera.

Abstract: A fiber optic camera system may include a fiber optic camera and a video processing console. The camera may include an elongate sheath having a proximal end and a distal end, and the sheath may contain one or more illumination optical fibers and an imaging bundle having at least one fiber optic clad and multiple fiber optic cores. The camera may further include a camera body fixedly attached to the proximal end of the elongate sheath, and the camera body may contain an imaging sensor optically coupled to a proximal end of the imaging bundle and configured to generate image data and an illumination source optically coupled to proximal ends of the illumination fibers. In some embodiments, the camera body has no connection member for connecting a secondary illumination source to the camera.

Abstract: A system is provided for identifying the sufficiency of lesions formed during a tissue ablation procedure. The system and method include administering an ICG composition to the patient and forming one or more lesions at a surgical site. The method further includes applying energy of a type and in an amount sufficient to cause ICG in the patient to fluoresce. An image of the tissue and lesion at the surgical site is obtained while the ICG fluoresces. The lesion is distinguished from surrounding de novo tissue based on areas of fluorescence to allow a user to evaluate the quality of the lesion.

Abstract: An in-vivo imaging device including a camera may include a frame storage device. Systems and methods which vary the frame capture rate of the camera and/or frame display rate of the display unit of in-vivo camera systems are discussed. The capture rate is varied based on for example, a physical quantity experienced by the camera system, or physical measurements related to the motion of the camera. Alternatively, the frame capture rate is varied based on comparative image processing of a plurality of frames. The frame display rate of the system may be varied based on comparative image processing of a multiplicity of frames. Both the frame capture and the frame display rates of such systems can be varied concurrently.

Abstract: An image pickup unit for endoscope of the invention includes: an image pickup device including on a front face a plurality of electrode pads aligned along one side face; and a circuit substrate having an end face from which a lead group, a distal end portion of which is bonded to the plurality of electrode pads, is extended, wherein the end face of the circuit substrate is disposed more rearward than a rear face of the image pickup device, the lead group includes a first lead constituted of at least one of a lead connected to an image pickup device reference electric potential and a dummy lead which does not include an electrical function, and another second lead, and the first lead is closer to the edge portion where the rear face and the side face of the image pickup device intersect than the second lead is.

Abstract: An image processing device includes a normal light image acquisition section that acquires a normal light image that includes an object image and includes information within a wavelength band of white light, a special light image acquisition section that acquires a special light image that includes an object image and includes information within a specific wavelength band, a correction section that performs a correction process on the special light image, and a blending section that performs a blending process that blends the normal light image and a corrected special light image that is the special light image corrected by the correction section. The blending section blends a component G of the normal light image and a component G of the corrected special light image, and blends a component B of the normal light image and a component B of the corrected special light image.

Abstract: An endoscope cleaning/disinfecting apparatus includes an endoscope connection section, a liquid supply conduit, a gas feeding conduit, a first gas feeding section, a first exhaust section, and a control section that performs a step of filling the gas feeding conduit with a cleaning liquid, a step of opening the first exhaust section, a step of allowing a gas to flow from the first gas feeding section to the endoscope connection section and feeding a two-phase gas-liquid fluid with which the gas feeding conduit is filled into the conduit of the endoscope and a step of closing the first exhaust section a predetermined time after allowing the gas to flow.

Abstract: A method of aiding the diagnosis of otitis media in a patient includes obtaining image data in a processor apparatus of a computing device, the image data being associated with at least one electronic image of a tympanic membrane of the patient, calculating a plurality of image features, each image feature being calculated based on at least a portion of the image data, classifying the at least one electronic image as a particular type of otitis media using the plurality of image features, and outputting an indication of the particular type of otitis media. Also, a system for implementing such a method that includes an output device and a computing device.

Abstract: A system for measuring sensation or sensory responses of a tissue of a subject (or patient) by delivering air pulses of controlled pressure, duration, and frequency to the tissue surface. The system can include an endoscope having a range finder component to determine the distance between the distal end of the endoscope and a target tissue surface. When it is determined that the endoscope has been positioned at a predetermined distance from the tissue surface, the air pulses can be administered to the tissue surface.

Abstract: A guiding device for use with a laryngoscope for assisting in the insertion of an endotracheal tube into a patient, the device comprising a guiding means for guiding an endotracheal tube through the patient's upper airways, and an attachment means to attach the guiding means to the blade of the laryngoscope. A laryngoscope comprising the guiding device is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of registering a real-time image feed from an imaging device inserted into a steerable catheter using a navigation system is provided. The method includes inserting the imaging device into a working channel of the steerable catheter and generating a real-time image feed of one or more reference points, wherein the orientation of the reference points is known. The method further includes orienting a handle of the steerable catheter to a neutral position, displaying the real-time image feed on a display of the navigation system, and registering the real-time image feed to the steerable catheter by rotating the displayed image so that the reference points in the real-time image feed are matched to the known orientation of the reference points.

Abstract: The present invention discloses methods of obtaining ophthalmic lens capable of reducing the aberrations of the eye comprising the steps of characterizing at least one corneal surface as a mathematical model, calculating the resulting aberrations of said corneal surface(s) by employing said mathematical model, selecting the optical power of the intraocular lens. From this information, an ophthalmic lens is modeled so a wavefront arriving from an optical system comprising said lens and corneal model obtains reduced aberrations in the eye. Also disclosed are ophthalmic lenses as obtained by the methods which are capable reducing aberrations of the eye.

Abstract: Systems and methods to improve the detection and classification of inflammation in the eye are presented. The inflammatory markers in image data can be graded by comparing identified and extracted characteristics from the images with characteristics derived from a set of images of eyes from a general population of subjects. The image data can be divided into sub-regions for analysis to better isolate the true inflammatory markers from the impacts of cataracts or other opacities. In another embodiment, the location of an imaging beam can be controlled to minimize the impact of lens opacities from the collected data used to analyze the inflammation state of an eye.

Abstract: The present method describes a new method for the measurement of dark adaptation. The dark adaptation status of subjects may then be used to identify those subjects who are at risk of developing and/or who are currently suffering from a variety of disease states having their clinical manifestations in impaired dark adaptation. The disease states include, but are not limited to, age related macular degeneration, vitamin A deficiency, Sorsby's Fundus Dystrophy, late autosomal dominant retinal degeneration, retinal impairment related to diabetes and diabetic retinopathy. An apparatus for administering the test method described is also provided.

Abstract: The present method describes a new method for the measurement of dark adaptation. The dark adaptation status of subjects may then be used to identify those subjects who are at risk of developing and/or who are currently suffering from a variety of disease states having their clinical manifestations in impaired dark adaptation. The disease states include, but are not limited to, age related macular degeneration, vitamin A deficiency, Sorsby's Fundus Dystrophy, late autosomal dominant retinal degeneration, retinal impairment related to diabetes and diabetic retinopathy. An apparatus for administering the test method described is also provided.

Abstract: An ophthalmic imaging apparatus performs imaging to produce a tomographic image of a fundus of an examined eye based on interference light obtained by combining measurement light and reference light, determines whether aliasing has occurred in the tomographic image, when it is determined that the aliasing has occurred, moves a position in which an optical path length of the measurement light and an optical path length of the reference light match from a retina side to a choroid side of the examined eye, and generates a fundus image based on the tomographic image that has been produced through imaging in a state where the position has been moved to the choroid side.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the present inventive concept provide optical coherence tomography (OCT) systems for integration with a microscope. The OCT system includes a sample arm coupled to the imaging path of a microscope. The sample arm includes an input beam zoom assembly including at least two movable lenses configured to provide shape control for an OCT signal beam; a scan assembly including at least one scanning mirror and configured for telecentric scanning of the OCT signal beam; and a beam expander configured to set the OCT signal beam diameter incident on the microscope objective. The shape control includes separable controls for numerical aperture and focal position of the imaged OCT beam.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods, devices, and systems for automated measured correction of the eyes and provision of sunglasses and eyeglasses for individuals, including individuals with a visual acuity of 20/20 or better. Methods, devices and systems for remote measurement of refraction by an examiner away from the measurement system are also disclosed.

Abstract: A self-contained, wireless patient monitoring pad has wireless communication components, such as a transceiver, and a power source, such as a battery, which are built in during manufacture of the self-contained, wireless patient monitoring pad. The self-contained, wireless patient monitoring pad communicates with a patient monitoring system that can include a central monitoring point. A user activates the power source in the self-contained, wireless patient monitoring pad prior to putting the monitoring pad into service or use, so that the self-contained, wireless patient monitoring pad can be stored indefinitely without dissipating the energy stored within built-in the power supply.

Abstract: A medical device for measuring joint force comprises a sleeve configured to receive a User's thumb and having connected thereto a force sensor, control circuitry, and a data transmission module. The force sensor is positioned in the sleeve to measure a force or pressure exerted by the User's thumb on a patient's body when the sleeve is about the User's thumb. The force sensor outputs an analog signal representing the force measured by the sensor. The control circuitry is in electrical communication with the force sensor and includes an analog to digital converter to convert the analog signal to a digital force signal. The data transmission module transmits the digital force signal to a computing device to generate a medical record for the patient.

Abstract: A micro phonic device capable of measuring very low frequency (sub 100 Hz) pressure waves includes an OCT measuring system that measures the position of one or more surfaces within a target. The device further processes the position measurements to generate a spectrum. In one application the generated spectrum is further processed to associate some signals with bio-sign parameters. Values of the bio-sign parameters are output.