Abstract: A domestic blender includes a receptacle and a tool. The receptacle has a bottom wall, a side wall defining an opening through which foodstuff material is introduced to the receptacle, and a longitudinal axis about which the side wall is disposed. A part of the side wall which is connected to the bottom wall has a cross-section in a plane which is orthogonal to the longitudinal axis, the cross-section having a shape in the form of at least part of a convex closed curve or a convex polygon with a non-unitary aspect ratio, such as an ellipse. The tool has a shaft and a processing member for engaging foodstuff material, the processing member being disposed on the shaft such that the processing member is located within the receptacle. The tool is rotatable about a rotational axis which is inclined relative to the longitudinal axis of the receptacle.

Abstract: A domestic blender includes a receptacle, a tool located within the receptacle, and a base upon which the receptacle is detachably mounted. The receptacle has a bottom wall, a side wall defining an opening through which foodstuff material is introduced to the receptacle, and a longitudinal axis about which the side wall is disposed. The tool has a shaft which passes through an aperture located in the bottom wall of the receptacle, and a processing member for engaging foodstuff material. The base has a motor for rotating the tool about a rotational axis. The motor has an output shaft which is collinear with the rotational axis of the tool, which is inclined to the longitudinal axis of the receptacle by an angle in the range from 15 to 75°.

Abstract: A domestic blender has a receptacle and a tool. The receptacle has a bottom wall, a side wall defining an opening through which foodstuff material is introduced to the receptacle, and a longitudinal axis about which the side wall is disposed. The tool has a processing member located within the receptacle adjacent to the bottom wall, extending outwardly from a rotational axis of the tool passing through the bottom wall and being inclined relative to the longitudinal axis of the receptacle. The processing member is rotatable about the rotational axis to describe a swept volume having a cross-section defined by the intersection of the swept volume with a plane extending through and containing both the longitudinal axis and the rotational axis, the cross-section having a first section having a lateral surface substantially orthogonal to the longitudinal axis, and a second section having a lateral surface substantially parallel to that axis.

Abstract: A gear reducer and a juicer including the gear reducer are disclosed. The gear reducer transfers rotational force, provided by a drive unit, to a juice extraction screw assembly after gear reduction. The gear reducer includes one or more gear reduction units. At least one of the one or more gear reduction units includes a sun gear coaxially connected to a rotating shaft of the drive unit; a ring gear configured such that a plurality of gear teeth are formed on the inner circumferential surface thereof around the sun gear, and configured to output a rotation speed slower than the rotation speed of the sun gear; and a plurality of planetary gears disposed between the sun gear and the ring gear, and configured to transfer the rotational force of the sun gear to the ring gear.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a dual content mixing container, and the dual content mixing container according to the present invention is constituted in such a way that a second content substance housed in a storage chamber is mixed with a first content substance housed in a main container body by moving a hermetically sealing member downwards by means of action whereby a rotating cap is rotated, and thus the invention affords convenience to the user as the first and second content substances can be mixed by means of a simple action.

Abstract: A multifunctional kitchen tool is a device that provides a plurality of retractable tools, a plurality of foldaway tools, and a plurality of detachable tools for performing various kitchen-related activities. A plurality of tool-receiving slots, a plurality of tool trenches, a first recessed space, and a second recessed space are provided on a handle body for housing the tools. The device features a food thermometer, a peeler, a corkscrew, a bottle opener, a spring-loaded grater, a spring-loaded knife sharpener, a spring-loaded spatula, and a spring-loaded knife. The tools may be deployed from the handle body when needed and folded or retracted into the handle body when not in use. The plurality of detachable tools is externally mounted to the handle body and is removable from the device for cleaning or other maintenance purposes.

Abstract: An apparatus, including a cooking pot, including a housing; an inner cooking pot within the housing; a first heating element on which the inner cooking pot is situated; a second heating element located around or surrounding and against the inner cooking pot, and a food processor. The food processor is capable of being attached to, or mounted over an opening of the cooking pot. The cooking pot is capable of performing a cooking operation on a food, a food ingredient, or a liquid, or any combination of same, within the inner cooking pot, and the food processor is capable of performing a food processing operation on the food, the food ingredient, or the liquid, within the inner cooking pot.

Abstract: System for removing a pan-prepared comestible from a pan and dividing the comestible into desired portions includes an article including a substrate with portions thereof placed between a pan-prepared comestible, such as a baked or chilled item, and portions of the substrate extending beyond at least two sides of the pan, which define handles for lifting the pan-prepared comestible from the pan. The system includes indicia which includes printed, raised or embossed markings, indicators, or symbols visible on the substrate beyond the bounds of the comestible once separated from the pan, and which define portioning lines serving as guidelines for a cutting tool whereby the comestible is divided into uniformly shaped portions.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a device, such as a cutting board, that comprises an upper planar surface that is useful for the breaking-down of articles, such as the chopping, crushing, and slicing of food articles, and one or more measuring receptacles integrated into the device such that the one or more receptacles are substantially flush with the planar surface. Using the device, one may break down articles, such as food articles, and easily transfer the broken-down portions of the articles to a measuring receptacle without having to remove the broken-down portions of the articles from the cutting board. The measuring receptacle may then be removed from the device, by which the measured portion of the article may be transferred away from the cutting board, such as to a separate pot or pan in the case of food articles.

Abstract: The invention provides a canister used for food product such as coffee and a packaging system comprising the same. At least 50% of the surface area of the canister sidewall is flat except it is deviated with 1-4 concaved grooves. The canister is made of a polymeric material at a usage of no more than 1.0 grams per cubic inch of the volume of the canister. When sealed, the canister can maintain its shape under a top load of at least 2.0 pounds per cubic inch of its volume and a vacuum pressure of at least 18 kPa caused by higher external pressure compared to internal pressure.

Abstract: Apparatus (1) for washing a bedridden patient comprises a basin (2) and a disposable water impermeable flexible liner (3) for lining a hollow interior region (5) of the basin (2). Retaining members (35) in retaining member accommodating recesses (37) located in corners (10) of the basin (2) engage engagement openings (30) formed in the liner (3) adjacent a peripheral upper edge (24) thereof and adjacent corners (27) of a peripheral wall (19) of the liner (3) for releasably securing and retaining the liner (3) to the basin (2). The basin (2) lined with the liner (3) is charged with water for washing the patient. On completion of washing, the liner (3) is removed from the basin (2) for disposal.

Abstract: A bathtub insert can include a frame, a door movably coupled with the frame and movable with respect to the frame between an opened position and a closed position, an elongate latch coupled with the door, a catch coupled with the frame, and a support structure, the support structure being coupled to the frame.

Abstract: An apparatus for securing bathroom accessories including a housing operatively arranged to engage a shower head pipe, the housing including an opening and a locking member rotatably secured to the housing, the locking member operatively arranged to close the opening of the housing. An apparatus for securing bathroom accessories including a first substantially c-shaped member, a second substantially c-shaped member fixedly secured to the first substantially c-shaped member, a resilient member arranged between the first substantially c-shaped member and the second substantially c-shaped member. The resilient member is operatively arranged to surround a shower head pipe and prevent the first substantially c-shaped member and the second substantially c-shaped member from slipping.

Abstract: The shower installation kit includes an elongated drain adapted to be arranged at an inclined shower floor and at least one elongated side member adapted to be arranged at right angles to the elongated drain and at a side of the inclined shower floor. Each elongated side member has a longitudinal flange adapted to define a slope of the inclined shower floor and adapted to be positioned under a floor covering of the inclined shower floor. The drain is adapted to be mounted at a distance from a subfloor structure of the inclined shower floor before installation of the inclined shower floor. The drain is provided with a front flange adapted to be positioned under the floor covering, and the longitudinal flange of the at least one side member is connected to and arranged flush with the front flange of the drain.

Abstract: Exemplary two chamber foam pumps, refill units and dispensers utilizing the same are disclosed herein. An exemplary refill unit includes an inverted container having a neck located at the bottom of the container and a foam pump secured neck. The foam pump includes a first air pump chamber, a liquid pump chamber and a second air pump chamber. In addition, the pump includes a piston. The piston has a hollow central portion. A first air inlet aperture is located through a wall of the piston between the first air pump chamber and the hollow central portion. A liquid inlet aperture is located below the first air inlet aperture and between the liquid pump chamber and the hollow central portion. A second air inlet aperture is located through the wall the piston located below the liquid inlet aperture and between the second air pump chamber and the hollow central portion.

Abstract: According to aspects of the present disclosure, a kit for a scrubbing device having interchangeable scrubbing mechanisms for attachment to a bar of soap includes a base element configured to removably couple to and retain the bar of soap, and a plurality of scrubbing elements each including a different scrubbing mechanism. The base element is configured to be removably and interchangeably coupled to each of the plurality of scrubbing elements.

Abstract: Dispenser suitable for dispensing absorbent sheet material from a roll disposable within said dispenser. The dispenser including: a dispenser body; a rotational shaft suitable for penetration of said roll; a drive unit; and an energy storage system for storing energy. The drive unit is rotationally coupled to said rotational shaft, which includes engagement means suitable for rotationally locking said rotational shaft with said roll. Externally caused rotation of said rotational shaft drives said drive unit, thereby enabling accumulation of energy in said energy storage system, and said drive unit is configured to be powered by energy from said energy storage system for temporarily rotating said rotational shaft. The engagement means includes at least one projection and/or at least one recess arranged on a circumferential outer surface of said rotational shaft for radial engagement with said roll.

Abstract: There is provided a cleaning apparatus for the base of a toilet. The apparatus includes an inner peripheral portion for extending at least partially around the base of the toilet. The apparatus includes an outer peripheral portion spaced-apart from the inner peripheral portion. The apparatus includes an arcuate-shaped top portion extending from the inner peripheral portion to the outer peripheral portion. According to another aspect, there is provided a cleaning apparatus for the base of a toilet. The apparatus includes an absorbent member that is biased upwards and which may be selectively lowered to abut a location adjacent to the base of the toilet for absorbing fluid.

Abstract: A movable fluid collection device includes a mat assembly, a first conduit segment, and a second conduit segment. The mat assembly includes an absorption material and a low-friction sliding floor-contact material. The first conduit segment may include a loop of tubing having at least one fluid collection opening formed therein, and the second conduit segment connects the first conduit to a suction collection system.

Abstract: The air remover includes a portable case (2) to hold in hands and to use for the extraction of pet hair and lint, fit for a domestic and an industrial use. It realizes the extraction of pet hair and bubbles through a motion of translation on fabric, which can be linear or circular as regards the fabric. The arranged action of two different operations fit to safeguard the fabric that you want to clean.

Abstract: A dust collector having a hose clamp, comprising a dust collection power head, a dust bucket and a hose; wherein the dust collection power head is arranged on the dust bucket, one end of the hose is in communication with the dust bucket; and the dust collector further comprises a hose clamp which is comprised of a first baffle, a second baffle and an elastic resetting member; at least one of the first baffle and the second baffle is a rotatable baffle, and a resetting force generated by the elastic resetting member acts on the rotatable baffle. Due to action of a torsional spring, the first and second baffles can always clamp the hose tightly while accommodating the hose. When the operator takes the hose down, the second baffle can be opened automatically to a certain angle along with the operator's action, so the hose can be taken out.

Abstract: A crack and crevice cleaning tool has a portion of circular cross section for attachment to a source of vacuum such as a vacuum cleaner, and a flattened nozzle portion for placement next to a crack or crevice and guide means mounted at the end of the nozzle portion and insertable in the crack or crevice being cleaned to guide the tool.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner includes a nozzle defining a chamber, a suction source in fluid communication with the nozzle and operable to generate an airflow through the nozzle, and an agitator rotatably supported within the chamber. The vacuum cleaner further includes a belt, a drive member drivingly connected to the agitator by the belt, and a belt guard surrounding at least a portion of the agitator at an interface between the agitator and the belt, the belt guard partitioning the chamber into a first section and a second section. The belt guard includes an aperture extending from the second section to the first section to permit air to flow from the second section to the first section.

Abstract: A brushroll for a vacuum cleaner includes a dowel defining a central rotational axis about which the brushroll rotates, at least one bristle stiffener, a plurality of first bristles protruding from the dowel adjacent to the bristle stiffener, and a counterbalance which is positioned relative to the bristle stiffener to rotationally balance the brushroll, wherein the cross-sectional shape of the dowel is asymmetrical.

Abstract: A robotic vacuum cleaner includes a driving mechanism, a fan, an electronic control, sweeping brushes and a housing with a front side extending in the transverse direction (q) and a longitudinal direction (l) perpendicular thereto. An underside of the housing has a suction opening that extends in the transverse direction (q). At least four sweeping brushes are provided, where at least two of the four sweeping brushes are disposed on each side of the suction opening such that at least one subregion of the suction opening remains free from sweeping brushes, as viewed from the front side. The at least two of the four sweeping brushes provided on each of the two sides of the suction opening are driven in an identical direction of rotation.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner bag assembly is adapted to be removably disposed within a tank of a vacuum cleaner, and the bag assembly includes a panel assembly made from a first material and forming an enclosure having an interior volume, and an aperture extends through the panel assembly. A shield member may be disposed within the interior volume and secured to one or more portions of the panel assembly, and the shield member may comprise a second material that is different than the first material. The first material may have a wicking barrier that inhibits wicking when the bag assembly becomes wet. The shield member is adapted to protect a portion of the panel assembly when the vacuum cleaner bag assembly is disposed within the tank and, together with the wicking barrier and a properly chosen first material, enhances performance of the vacuum bag assembly when wet.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner bag assembly is adapted to be removably disposed within a tank of a vacuum cleaner, and the bag assembly includes a panel assembly made from a first material and forming an enclosure having an interior volume, and an aperture extends through the panel assembly. A shield member may be disposed within the interior volume and secured to one or more portions of the panel assembly, and the shield member may comprise a second material that is different than the first material. The shield member is adapted to protect a portion of the panel assembly when the vacuum cleaner bag assembly is disposed within the tank.

Abstract: A remote-controlled, autonomous, or semi-autonomous vacuum cleaner for raised floor environments comprises a vacuum cleaner especially configured to clean tight, hard-to-reach areas, such as the space between the floor and the raised panels of a raised access floor system and a control module for remotely operating the vacuum cleaner.

Abstract: A floor cleaning machine for cleaning a surface. The floor cleaning machine includes a base. A brush assembly is coupled to the base, and includes a rotating brush and a reciprocating bnish. The rotating brush and the reciprocating brush are configured to engage the surface.

Abstract: A suction foot for a floor cleaning machine having an outer body, which has side pieces having an L-shaped longitudinal cross-section comprising a first horizontal side piece and a second vertical side piece, which extends perpendicular to the first side piece, having an inner body, which is releasably attached to the outer body. The inner body is coupled to the outer body with a sliding movement that is perpendicular to the first horizontal side piece and parallel to the second vertical side piece. A tension band is provided to press a sealing strip against the inner body. The ends of the tension band engage with the ends of the inner body.

Abstract: A cleaning device operable for use with a disposable cleaning towel is provided. The cleaning device includes a handle, a head, first and second clamps, and an ejector. The handle extends between a proximal end portion and a distal end portion. The head is disposed relative to the distal end portion of the handle. The head defines a head surface over which the disposable cleaning towel is fixed during use of the cleaning device. The head defines a head cavity and a head aperture extending between the head cavity and the head mating surface. The first and second clamps are disposed relative to the head, and each are selectively moveable between a closed position and an open position. In their respective closed positions, at least a portion of each of the first and second clamps is operable to abut the head surface and hold the cleaning towel in place. In their respective open positions, each of the first and second clamps is positioned away from the head surface.

Abstract: An automatic dishwasher having a tub defining a treating chamber and a housing physically separate from the tub and defining a sump to receive liquid sprayed into the tub, the housing having an inlet fluidly connected to a liquid outlet of the tub and an outlet fluidly coupled to a sprayer located within the tub to define a recirculation path for the sprayed liquid.

Abstract: A non-welded field joint for connecting two portions of a pot and pan washing machine together as a single unit is provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to a low cost sensor array suitable for use in a ware washing machine, preferably a dish washing machine. The invention also relates to a standalone detergent dispensing device comprising the low cost sensor array.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a dishwasher having a structure capable of reducing energy consumption, and improving drying performance. The dishwasher includes a body, a washing tub provided inside the body and a drying unit in which a dehumidifying member is rotatably accommodated, wherein the dehumidifying member may include a dehumidifying area and a regenerating area separated from the dehumidifying area to perform dehumidifying and regenerating concurrently.

Abstract: An endoscope operation system includes an endoscope, a holding arm unit that supports the tip of the endoscope in such a manner that the tip of the endoscope can be moved in up/down, left/right, and front/back directions, and can be rotated on its own axis, a display unit that displays an image based on an image signal supplied from an image pickup unit of the endoscope, a gyroscopic sensor attached to the head of an operator, a gyroscopic sensor attached to the torso of the operator, and a control unit that controls the moving direction and the speed of the tip of the endoscope.

Abstract: An imaging element includes: a plurality of pixels arranged into a two-dimensional matrix, configured to receive light from outside, and configured to generate and output an imaging signal according to an amount of light received; a first transfer line connected to the pixel and configured to transfer the imaging signal; a pixel selection unit configured to perform a selection operation of selecting a selection target pixel from among the plurality of pixels in order to read the imaging signal out to the first transfer line and a de-selection operation of canceling the selection of the pixel being selected; and control unit configured to control the pixel selection unit. The control unit performs the selection operation of selecting a new selection target pixel after performing the de-selection operation on the basis of a synchronization signal from outside.

Abstract: A clip or flexible handles extension facilitate simultaneous retention and operation of a bronchoscope and associated bronchoscopic tools held in one hand to allow operation by a single practitioner. Also provided is an adapter for the connection port of the working channel of a bronchoscope which performs both sealing and tool-locking functions. Also disclosed is a guide sheath arrangement with a reduced flexibility proximal portion to facilitate insertion of tools into the guide sheath.

Abstract: A device for quickly advancing/retracting a biopsy tool (or other driven object) into position through a colonoscope or other such scope. The device includes a drive actuator, a transmission for coupling the actuator to a driven object (biopsy tool), an attachment assembly that couples the device to the endoscope, such as to a biopsy port on the endoscope, an electronic control unit, and a user interface. Preferably, the driver/biopsy tool coupling consists of a motor and a combination of gears and friction rollers.

Abstract: There is provided herein an endoscope assembly, the assembly comprising at least one front-pointing camera and at least one front illuminator associated therewith, at least one side-pointing camera and at least one of side illuminator associated therewith, a first front working channel configured for insertion of a medical tool and a second front working channel configured for insertion of a medical tool.

Abstract: A fluoroscopy apparatus includes a light-source configured to irradiate biological tissue with illumination light including excitation light; and a processor including hardware, wherein the processor is configured to implement: a reflected-light-image generating portion configured to generate a reflected-light-image of the biological tissue based on captured reflected light reflected from the biological tissue irradiated with the illumination light from the light-source; and a fluorescence-image generating portion configured to generate a fluorescence image based on captured fluorescence generated at the biological tissue due to irradiation thereof with the excitation light from the light-source, wherein the illumination light is visible light that does not include at least a portion of the wavelength region between 490 nm and 540 nm, and wherein the excitation light includes some wavelengths of the illumination light and generates fluorescence having a wavelength included in the at least a portion of the wav

Abstract: An endoscope system includes a light source unit that emits first and second narrow band light sequentially, a color filter in which first and second filters having different spectral characteristic are disposed, an image pickup device that receives light passing through the first filter in a first pixel and receives light passing through the second filter in a second pixel, and can set an exposing period and a reading period of an electric signal for each pixel, and a control unit that performs control for causing the first narrow band light to be emitted, causing the first pixels to be exposed, and reading an electric signal from the second pixel in a first period, and causing the second narrow band light to be emitted, causing the second pixel to be exposed, and reading an electric signal from the first pixel in a second period.

Abstract: A method of defogging a lens of a laparoscope includes: (1) inserting the laparoscope into a sheath; (2) engaging a fork stabilizing feature of the sheath with a light post of the laparoscope to prevent rotational movement of the sheath relative to the scope; (3) activating a locking mechanism on the sheath to longitudinally fix a distal end of the laparoscope relative to a distal end of the sheath; and (4) providing gas to a plurality of gas lumens within a wall of the sheath such that the gas flows through the gas lumens and over the lens of the laparoscope to defog the lens while the laparoscope is in a body cavity.

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: Optical coherence tomography (OCT) scan data of a subject is acquired over a region of interest which can include an optic disc or a macula of a retina. Layer boundaries of retinal layers are identified in the OCT scan data to facilitate measurements. In one aspect, a measurement related to ratio value between a total backscattered signal intensity of one or more target layers of the retina and a total backscattered signal intensity of one or more reference layers is computed on a location-by-location basis within a region of interest of the OCT scan data. Measurements can be collected, aggregated, analyzed, and displayed in connection with other information taken or derived from the OCT scan data.

Abstract: A perimeter having means for setting a measurement coordinate system CS, a detector for blind spots, a means for measuring a visual field of the same subject eye based on set measurement coordinate systems at a first and second point of time and a memory for storing the position of the blind spot, a detector for detecting the position of the blind spot at the second point of time and computing amount of deviation with the position of the blind spot, and a control for conducting new measurement coordinate based on the deviation (?).

Abstract: An interactive fit tool and methodology which may be utilized by an eye care professional to improve the efficiency and final outcome in selecting a pair of contact lenses targeted towards a specific patient visual need in the treatment of presbyopia. The interactive fit tool comprises an application which includes images that would allow a patient to decide if he or she desires balanced visual acuity, near biased visual acuity, or distance biased visual acuity. In addition, the interactive fit tool comprises fit guide tables and performs the calculations for vertex distance and spherical equivalent.

Abstract: An optometry apparatus includes an eye chart presentation optical system that presents an optometric chart to an eye to be examined as a subjective eye chart for subjective measurement and a control unit that controls the eye chart presentation optical system to present the optometric chart. The control unit executes an instant presentation of the optometric chart by controlling the eye chart presentation optical system to finish presenting the optometric chart when an instant presentation time has elapsed after starting presenting the optometric chart.

Abstract: A target presenting apparatus includes: a display for emitting a target light flux; a concave mirror for receiving the target light flux in such a manner as to displace the target light flux from an optical axis thereof; a housing for accommodating the concave mirror and the display therein; and an optical member, placed in the housing, for guiding the target light flux from the inside to the outside of the housing to present a target to an examinee.

Abstract: In order to acquire a tomographic image of the eye to be inspected with high precision even in case where an optical path length and intensity vary depending on a scanned position in an OCT apparatus acquiring the tomographic image of a predetermined part of an object to be inspected, based on the intensity of interference light obtained by combining return light from the object that has been irradiated with the measuring light, with reference light corresponding to the measuring light, includes: a scanning optical system which scans the object with the measuring light in an optical path of the measuring light; an image forming unit which generates the tomographic image based on the intensity of the interference light; and an image correcting unit which subjects the tomographic image to a correction process appropriate to the scanned position with the measuring light on the object