Abstract: An improved sleeping or camping cot construction is provided which eliminates the need for end rails for the cot frame. The frame is all one piece, portions of which are pivotally mounted with respect to other portions to permit folding of the frame for storage. A locking mechanism is associated with at least one of the cot supporting cross members to maintain the cot in the user supporting position of the cot.

Abstract: A non-toxic mattress and method of constructing the mattress having a reduced toxicity has an outer layer of a material selected from the group comprising polyethylene and polylactic acid film. Also, a mattress cover for covering the outer layer of the mattress can also be constructed from a material selected from the same group of materials. The polyethylene and polylactic acid films are non-toxic materials which reduce adverse human allergenic reactions or exposure to potentially harmful chemicals used in the mattress construction.

Abstract: A foldable mattress includes plunger matrix sections and corresponding flexible connectors connecting the plunger matrix sections in side-by-side relation. The flexible connectors are configured to allow the foldable mattress to fold to adjust in shape corresponding to changes in shape of a mechanically adjustable frame supporting the foldable mattress. The foldable mattress may include a foldable edge frame configured to snugly receive and house the plunger matrix sections in side-to-side relation. The edge frame defines a flange on an internal surface of the edge frame configured to support the plunger matrix sections in side-to-side relation in a position allowing the plungers to move up and down within an internal space defined by the edge frame. A top pad lays on top of the edge frame and the plunger matrix sections. A cover encapsulates the edge frame, the plunger matrix, and the top pad into a self-contained mattress unit.

Abstract: A patient support surface includes a cushion and an inflatable patient positioning unit. The cushion is adapted to support a patient. The inflatable patient positioning unit is arranged over a portion of a top side of the cushion at a foot end of the cushion. The inflatable patient positioning unit includes a plurality of positioner bladders shaped so that when inflated a distal end of each positioner bladder is taller than a proximal end of the positioner bladder.

Abstract: A mattress comprising a foam base, a foam core, and a foam comfort layer. The foam core may be reinforced with firmer transverse members selectively placed along the length of the core. The core may also include air passages. The comfort layer may comprise interlocking upper and lower layers configured to form ventilation channels that operate in a bellows-like fashion moving moist, warm out and drawing fresh air in as the sleeping body moves and shifts through the sleep cycle. The ventilation channels in the core and the comfort layer provide for effective dissipation of heat and moisture even from the innermost regions of the mattress. A cooling gel top layer may be included, and the entire assembly may be covered with a fabric top panel and surround. The surround may be vented to facilitate air movement in and out of the mattress.

Abstract: A childcare device including a base in the shape of a closed loop; a cavity bounded and defined by the closed loop; and wherein the device is adapted to receive a part of a child's body through the cavity; and the base is independently usable as a baby sling, a walking aid or a seat safety strap.

Abstract: A multifunctional sponge safety baby walker comprises a body (1) and some support legs (3) located on the bottom of the body (1), wherein the body (1) is made of PU high density foaming material and can be made by molding, a manned hollow structure (2) is provided in the body (1), a cushion (4) for a stretching leg hole (4.1) is provided in the hollow structure (2), and the support legs (3) are slidable. The baby walker can be made into various animals and plants styles and art styles with cartoon child-taste, and also can be used as water recreation articles and building blocks.

Abstract: A product management display system for merchandising product on a shelf includes at least one tray having a front rounded portion and defining a plurality of apertures and having two sides. A lip may extend upward from the front rounded portion of the at least one tray. A front shelf may extend forward from the lip. The at least one tray may include one divider extending upwardly from each of the two sides and a front wall. The front wall may include a top wall, a bottom wall, and two side legs. The front wall, bottom wall, and two side legs may form a wall aperture and the front wall may include a plurality of projections configured to engage with the plurality of apertures on the tray.

Abstract: A combination-type refrigerating cabinet includes a cabinet body, a refrigeration-cycle unit and a pipe system. The cabinet body internally defines at least one cold accumulation chamber and a refrigerated cabinet internally having at least one refrigeration chamber, and at least one first air passage is provided between the cold accumulation chamber and the refrigerated cabinet. The cold accumulation chamber is internally provided with at least one cold accumulator, and the cold accumulator includes a case filled with a liquid cold accumulating material. The refrigeration-cycle unit separately supplies cold energy to the cold accumulation chamber and the refrigerated cabinet. The pipe system is provided between the cabinet body and the refrigeration-cycle unit, and includes a cold accumulation chamber pipeline communicating the refrigeration-cycle unit with the cold accumulation chamber and a refrigerated cabinet pipeline communicating the refrigeration-cycle unit with the refrigerated cabinet.

Abstract: The electric display apparatus with a lighting system, comprising: an electric display column, a support frame, a display shelf, some lamps, some plastic strips and coppers. The electric display column includes some grooves and grids. The plastic strips are installed in the grooves; the coppers are installed in the plastic strips, and they are connected to the power supply. The multiple rectangular hanging holes distributing along the longitudinal direction of the grids; the hanging arms are installed on both ends of the support frame. The middle part of the hanging arm is installed with the guide groove, which bottom installed the positioning bolt. The insulating plastic material movable plug is fixed in the hanging arms, the interior of the movable plug inlaid with the electric copper, which is installed in the guide groove of the hanging arm. The display shelf is fixed to the support frame by the screw connection.

Abstract: A frame and a device for mounting a plurality of frames in a grid. The frame has an axial first mounting member and a second mounting member, the first mounting member having a generally flat portion exposed to and generally flush with a perimeter surface of the frame. The alignment device has a cross-shaped body having a pair of horizontal members and a pair of vertical members intersecting at a common point, the horizontal and vertical members having interior surfaces defining four quadrants, the alignment device further comprising a level attached to the cross-shaped body and a magnet mounted in a recess in one of the horizontal members or vertical members. The alignment device used to position and mount the frame.

Abstract: A removable, reusable support stand for generally planar objects such as photographs, cards, signs, compact disc jewel cases or the like is disclosed, which includes a flat card stock formed into a generally triangular shape with a first fold across the base; a slit from fold line to the center of the base of the triangle forming two flaps or attachment tabs that are covered with an adhesive material and are folded along a fold line to expose the adhesive; and is folded along a line from the apex of the triangle to the top of the slit; and which may then be affixed to the back of the generally planar object to be displayed. The stand can generally be removed and repositioned, or affixed to another object to be displayed.

Abstract: A fitted covering for a mattress includes a body, a peripheral elastic cord, and corner elastic bands. The body includes an upper panel and a side skirt extending outwardly away from the upper panel to define a free edge opposite the upper panel. The upper panel defines corners, and the side skirt defines corner lines each extending away from one of the corners of the upper panel. The peripheral elastic cord is coupled to and extends substantially coextensively with the free edge. The corner elastic bands are each formed separately from one another. The corner elastic bands each extend substantially transversely across and secured to a corresponding one of the corner lines of the side skirt. Each of the corner elastic bands is positioned nearer the peripheral elastic cord than the upper panel.

Abstract: A ground covering comprised of a flexible material having at least one sleeve attached to the perimeter. A removable frame is placed within the sleeve and is comprised of a pole and a foam material covering at least a portion of the pole.

Abstract: A dining plate includes a top portion with a substantially transparent window therein. The plate also includes a bottom portion with a bottom surface having a first outside receiving groove and second inside receiving groove. The bottom portion has a generally planar shape that corresponds generally to the shape of the top portion. The bottom portion also has a top surface with a continuous inner standing rib and an outward rim. The top and bottom portions are joined together so that the inner standing rib is releaseably positioned in the inside receiving groove and the outward rim is releaseably positioned in the outside receiving groove. A substantially watertight cavity is formed between a central section of each of the top and bottom portions. The cavity is aligned with the window in the top portion.

Abstract: A sport bottle defining a cavity with top open end to contain a liquid. A cap closes the cavity, the cap having a body with a spout. A conduit extends transversely through the cap and opened on opposed sides of a circumference of the body of the cap, the conduit being in fluid communication with the spout and having a passage in fluid communication with the cavity. A valve is formed of two pistons disposed onto a shaft, the pistons being sized to sealingly define with the conduit an interstitial space. The valve is displaceable by pressing the ends between a closed configuration in which the pistons block liquid from the cavity from entering the interstitial space, and a dispensing configuration in which the interstitial space is aligned with the passage and the spout to allow liquid from the cavity to reach the spout.

Abstract: A pair of chopsticks is disclosed, the chopsticks consisting of an elongated body having a proximal end to be gripped by a user, and a distal end to be used for seizing a food portion. The chopsticks include a protruding element, such as a disc-shaped collar, extending radially outward from the chopstick elongated body. The protruding element is arranged closer to the eating distal end than to the gripping proximal end. Thus, when the chopsticks are set on a horizontal surface, the chopsticks rest on the proximal end and the protruding element, while the eating distal end remains elevated and separated from the surface, thereby preventing contamination of the eating distal end. The protruding element of each chopstick can be arranged at a different distance from its respective eating distal end, in order to minimize interference between the two protruding elements.

Abstract: A cup holder comprises a collar and a handle. The collar comprises a loop of flexible sheet material which extends, in use, around and engages the outer surface of a cup. The handle comprises an elongate strip of flexible sheet material whose ends are connected to the collar at positions which are in use, diametrically opposed. Each end portion of the handle has first and second preformed fold lines formed in it. The first fold line extends perpendicular to the length of the handle along the line where the handle meets the collar. The second fold line extends transversely across the handle at an angle of substantially 45° to its length from a first point where one side edge of the handle meets the collar to a second point spaced from the collar on the other side edge of the handle.

Abstract: A cordless electrical appliance comprises an appliance part comprising at least two functional components (T1, M1) and a base for supplying electrical power to the appliance part. A cordless electrical connector (6) makes electrical connection between the appliance part and the base part in use. Both of the functional components (T1, M1) are connected between a pair of electrical connections provided by the connector (6) and arranged such that at least one of the functional components (T1, M1) is selectively energised in response to a change in the relative polarities of the two electrical connections. A switch such as a diode (D1) may be provided between the two functional components (T1, M1), so as to switch ON or OFF the current to a functional component (T1, M1) depending on the polarity of the connections.

Abstract: An integrated beverage blending system comprising: a controller for menu selection; an ice portion control module; an ingredient module; a dispensing apparatus in communication with the ice portion control module and the ingredient module, wherein the ice and the ingredient are dispensed into a beverage container via the dispensing apparatus; and at least one blender module which blends and/or mixes the ice and the ingredient in the beverage container, thereby producing the beverage; wherein, upon removal of the beverage container from the blender module, the blender module initiates a cleaning mode.

Abstract: The present disclosure includes an extraction assembly for use in an automatic espresso brewer. The extraction assembly includes components and methods for controllably extracting espresso beverage from a quantity of brewing substance. The components, assemblies, and methods facilitate improved control and operation of the extraction assembly and improve the reliability of the extraction assembly. The brewing substance is compacted between a pair of opposing pistons. Compacting force is monitored through at least one sensor carried on the extraction assembly to provide a signal to a controller. A predetermined compacting force may be programmed into the system for all brewing cycles or dependent upon the brewing substance used. The pair of pistons operates relative to a brew chamber for use in the espresso extraction process. The pistons provide compacting force and boundaries within the chamber and facilitate removal of a spent brewing substance puck at the end of the brewing cycle.

Abstract: A stove top device (10) for making espresso coffee. The device (10) comprises a coffee grounds reservoir (22), a water reservoir (28) and a first conduit (36). The water reservoir (22) has a base and a volume defined by a recommended filling level. The first conduit (36) has a first end in fluid communication with the water reservoir (28) at a level above the base and below the recommended filling level and a second end in fluid communication with the coffee grounds reservoir (22). In use, heated water is only communicated from the water reservoir (28) to the coffee grounds reservoir (22) until the water level in the water reservoir (28) falls below the first end.

Abstract: A can for extemporaneous preparation of beverages by extraction and/or infusion including a first chamber configured to collect a final beverage, a second chamber containing a drinkable liquid, and a filtering device containing a substance to produce the required beverage by extraction and/or infusion. The can is configured to be put onto a heating source after opening the can lid and operating the filtering device by the user. The lid includes: an outer rim portion configured to remain fixed to the can lateral wall when opening the can; an inner removable portion configured to be ripped to open the can; and a predetermined breaking line separating the inner removable portion from the outer rim portion. The breaking line is provided in an annular portion forming part of the lid and made of plastic material. The outer part of the annular portion part of the outer rim portion while the inner part thereof is part of the inner removable portion.

Abstract: The invention relates to a beverage extraction device with easy rejection of capsules including a housing, a first frame and a second frame. The first frame has a length and a chamber with a side wall. Each jaw is movably connected to a side support of the second frame. The first shaft is formed on the front portion of each jaw, the second shaft is formed on the back portion of each jaw. The device further includes two guiding grooves and two guiding plates, each guiding groove has a front end that bends outwardly; each guiding plate has a pushing portion protruding toward the central line of the housing, the first shaft of each jaw slides inside the leading groove defined on each guiding plate.

Abstract: The system comprises a data input device (T) for inputting data associated with a supply of cartridges or capsules comprised of a predetermined amount of cartridges or capsules (C), and capable of defining a predetermined reference number related to said amount; and an electronic monitoring and control module (EM), adapted to be associated with a machine (CM) for preparing beverages of the cartridge or capsule kind, and comprising: a detector (26) adapted to acquire said data; at least one controlled switch (22), connectable between the electric pump (10) and the associated control switch (5a) of the machine (CM), such that the electric pump (10) can be activated only when said controlled switch (22) is closed, and can be deactivated if said switch (22) is open; at least one detection terminal (21a) adapted to be connected to the control switch (5a) associated with the electric pump (10) of the machine (CM), to provide an activation signal each time said control switch (5a) is operated to activate the ele

Abstract: A beverage making device comprising a brewing chamber for enclosing a pad containing a substance from which the beverage is brewed. A water supply conduit is present between pumping means and the brewing chamber. The brewing chamber has an outlet having an orifice through which the brewed beverage can leave the brewing chamber. A portion of the wall of the brewing chamber is stationary and the other portion of the wall can move away from the stationary part in order to open the brewing chamber. Means (1) are present for releasing pressure from the brewing chamber after the water supply to the brewing chamber has been terminated.

Abstract: A hermetically-sealed, ohmic heating packet for storing, heating and sterilizing food and beverage items. The packet is formed of a multilayer laminate material having interior and exterior polymer layers and an intermediate metallic foil layer. Conductive tags on the exterior of the packet are electrically connected to electrodes on the interior of the packet through reverse-patched regions of the packet's sidewalls. The configuration of the electrical connection prevents current from leaking into the metallic foil layer of the packet during heating, thereby mitigating the risk of a short circuit condition in the packet. The rectangular prism geometry of the packet and the parallel configuration of the electrodes within the packet facilitate uniform heating of the packet's contents.

Abstract: A beverage container for a blender includes one or more vibrating mechanisms coupled to a bottom portion of the beverage container or integrated within one or more walls of the beverage container. After a beverage has been blended, the one or more vibrating mechanisms are activated as the beverage is being poured. Vibrations from the one or more vibrating mechanisms are mechanically transmitted to the beverage container, thereby promoting the pourability of the beverage from the beverage container, including dislodging ingredients in the beverage that became lodged or trapped in crevices of the beverage container during the prior blending process, and freeing up beverage ingredients that accumulated at the bottom of the beverage container during the prior blending process.

Abstract: Provided is a removable grip device (1) for a pot for cooking food, said removable grip device (1) comprising a grip body (7), attachment means that can be connected to the cooking pot and disconnected therefrom, and an electrical energy source (6). The removable grip device (1) comprises an electromechanical device fed by the energy source (6) and suitable for actuating a mechanical device, and control means for controlling the operation and the shut-off of the electromechanical device.

Abstract: A toilet adapter which allows a user to lift the lid, the seat, and flush the toilet using three dedicated pedals and their respective actuating mechanisms. The lid pedal and the seat pedal utilize a crankshaft connection to rotate adapters that grasp the lid and the seat, raising the lid and seat as the pedal is pressed. The flush pedal uses a double pivot connection to pull down on an adapter that is secured to a toilet handle. The seat pedal and the flush pedal can be lifted to activate sub assemblies. A bidet assembly and a dryer assembly are operated by lifting the seat pedal and the flush pedal, respectively, with a brace provided so that the regular functions can still be accessed by pressing down. A variation can be implemented for urinals, in which the lid and seat components are unnecessary and left out.

Abstract: A extended use elevated urinal tray for high volume usage mounted wall urinals (32) to prevent urine splatters (34) from accumulating on the floor or a mat underneath the urinals extreme edge (30) comprising a base frame portion (18) adapted for placement on the floor underneath the urinal (32) and allows variability for urinal users of different foot sizes placement and an elevated sloped tray portion (10) disposed on the base portion that does not come in contact with the urinal users shin (38) or ankle (36) area and covers the open space (40) between the users ankles and high shin area that urine splatters transit to accumulate on the floor; equipped with a detachable member (26) near the downward end of the sloped tray capable of receiving, and absorbing urine deposits until such time the absorbent material (28) is emptied, replenished and replaced for continued use.

Abstract: A backpack vacuum cleaner motor mounting assembly having a first housing, a suspension housing, a suction motor, and one or more springs. The first housing has an inlet, outlet and a suspension chamber in it. The suspension housing is at least partly in the suspension chamber, can move a predetermined distance along a suspension direction from a first position to a second position, and is restricted from moving perpendicular to the suspension direction. The suction motor is connected to and moves with the suspension housing. The springs are oriented to bias the suspension housing from the second position to the first position. A backpack vacuum cleaner having a suction motor in a movable suspension housing is also provided.

Abstract: A pipe coupling for a central vacuum cleaning pipeline is adapted to be connected with at least one pipe to form a central vacuum cleaning pipe line. The pipe coupling comprises at least a first and a second opening defined by an envelope wall, the envelope wall comprises an inner and an outer surface, wherein at least said first opening is arranged to receive a pipe introduced into the first opening along a first insertion and retraction direction, so that the pipe coupling overlaps the pipe with a part of the inner surface of the pipe coupling at an attachment section. The attachment section comprises in turn an annular seal member arranged in the attachment section to effectively seal between the inner surface of the pipe coupling and the outer surface of said pipe. The attachment section further comprises an annular recess which defines a stop surface. The annular recess is configured to form a smooth transition between the pipe and the pipe coupling.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaning device comprises a unit (1) for aerodynamically affecting dust particles and/or a surface to be cleaned. The unit (1) comprises a housing (30) having a housing wall (31) encompassing two internal sections (20, 22), and a movable surface (11) arranged at an interface of the two sections (20, 22), wherein a portion (32) of the housing wall (31) delimiting a first section (20) is provided with at least one opening (21), and wherein means for actuating the movable surface (11) are arranged in a second section (22). A portion (33) of the housing wall (31) delimiting the second section (22) is adapted to at least hinder exchange of air between an inside of this section (22) and an outside of the housing (30) at the location of this section (22), in order to at least hinder a migration of dust to the second section (22).

Abstract: An autonomous cleaner has an enhanced structure capable of conducting an efficient cleaning task according to the material quality or the condition of the floor surface of a cleaning space. The autonomous cleaner includes a body, a driving wheel to drive the body, a driving wheel assembly having the driving wheel, and a control unit. The control unit detects a displacement of the driving wheel corresponding to a reference position by sensing a sensor target, determines material quality or condition of a floor surface according to the displacement of the driving wheel, and controls the driving of the autonomous cleaner according to the determined material quality or the condition of the floor surface.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a light module for a pool cleaner. The light module can include a housing, a paddle wheel, a generator, and at least one light emitting diode (LED). The housing can be removably coupled to the pool cleaner and can include a flow directing portion positioned in a fluid path of the pool cleaner. The paddle wheel can be located adjacent to the flow directing portion and can rotate in response to fluid flow through the fluid path. The generator can be coupled to the paddle wheel and can generate power through rotation of the paddle wheel. The LED can be coupled to the generator and can receive the generated power from the generator to illuminate an area adjacent to the pool cleaner.

Abstract: A disposable cellulosic wiper includes a percentage by weight of pulp-derived papermaking fibers, and a percentage by weight of regenerated independent cellulosic microfibers having a number average diameter of less than about 2 microns and a characteristic Canadian Standard Freeness (CSF) value of less than 175 ml. The microfibers are selected and present in amounts such that the wiper exhibits an average effective pore radius of less than 50 microns.

Abstract: A disposable cellulosic wiper includes a percentage by weight of pulp-derived papermaking fibers, and a percentage by weight of regenerated independent cellulosic microfibers having a number average diameter of less than about 2 microns and a characteristic Canadian Standard Freeness (CSF) value of less than 175 mil. The microfibers are selected and present in amounts such that the wiper exhibits a capillary pressure at 10% saturation by extrusion porosimetry of at least twice that of a like sheet prepared without regenerated independent cellulose microfibers.

Abstract: A cleaning device comprises a cleaning composition container and a dispensing section. The dispensing section is operable to eject an amount of cleaning composition from the cleaning composition container. The dispensing section comprises a domed surface comprising a plurality of projections adapted to work the cleaning composition into an item to be cleaned.

Abstract: An apparatus is configured for attachment to a tub having a bottom wall and a plurality of wheels extending from the bottom wall. The apparatus includes a plurality of dual-hinged actuating mechanisms, a platform, and a handle. At least some of the plurality of actuating mechanisms include a first member configured to be fixedly positioned relative to the bottom wall; a second member; and a movable member comprising first and second ends, the first end hingedly attached to the first member and the second end hingedly attached to the second member. The second member is also attached to the platform. The handle is fixed to the movable member and is movable in an arcuate path. An assembly including the apparatus and a tub is also described.

Abstract: A condition warning system for an apparatus such as a pot and pan washing machine, a control system and control methods for a pot and pan washing machine are provided. The condition warning system includes a control system that monitors operational, safety or compliance parameters of an apparatus, and a light that illuminates a location below (or above) an operator's direct line of sight, and which is outside of the operator's direct line of sight. The control system and control methods include a punitive wash action lockout, an extended wash cycle time, and a deep clean wash cycle.

Abstract: A tubular frame assembly for a door type warewashing machine includes four tubular legs, and two upper cross-braces and two lower cross-braces. The cross-braces are received through cross-brace receiving openings in the tubular legs, and the cross-braces are bolted together within the legs by nut and bolt assemblies.

Abstract: A dishwasher appliance includes a mid-level spray arm assembly and a diverter disposed in a conduit of the assembly. The diverter includes a disk positioned within a chamber and rotatable about an axis, the disk defining an aperture for selectively controlling fluid flow from the chamber into outlet channels, the disk movable along the axial direction between a first position and a second position, the disk defining a channel and a plurality of cams projecting into the channel. The diverter further includes a biasing element configured to urge the disk into the first position, and a boss extending from the housing into the channel of the disk, the boss defining a plurality of guide elements. The guide elements and cams are configured to interact so that movement of the disk along the axial direction between the first position and the second position causes the disk to rotate about the axis.

Abstract: An automatic dishwasher having at least one primary sprayer and at least one auxiliary sprayer located within a treating chamber. Wherein the at least one auxiliary sprayer is removably mounted in the treating chamber.

Abstract: A sanitizer assembly for foot wear is provided that includes a base platform, a plurality of nozzles and an activation pump. The base platform includes a grate upon which footwear can be placed. The plurality of nozzles are positioned under the grate. The nozzles are configured and arranged to dispense a fine mist of alcohol-based sanitizer on the footwear. The activation pump is in fluid communication with the plurality of nozzles. The activation pump is further in fluid communication with a supply of alcohol-based sanitizer. In addition, the activation pump is configured and arranged to pump the alcohol-based sanitizer to the nozzles.

Abstract: An endoscope apparatus is an endoscope apparatus having an insertion portion having an image pickup device in a distal end portion, and a main body portion, and has a drive circuit that outputs a drive signal that drives the image pickup device, and a changing section that changes at least one of a pulse width and a peak value of a reset gate signal included in the drive signal, in response to a temperature of a vicinity of the image pickup device or the main body portion.

Abstract: An endoscopic instrument includes a manipulating piece having a manipulating element, an instrument shaft having a section that is manipulable, wherein the shaft is coupled to the manipulating piece, a positioning element having a first rotational axis, a pulling element coupled to the positioning element and the section of the shaft, such that displacement of the positioning element actuates the section by transmitting a force via the pulling element, and an actuator coupled to the positioning element, such that actuation of the actuator displaces the positioning element by transmitting a force from the actuator to the positioning element. The manipulating element is coupled to the positioning element such that a force exerted onto the manipulating element transfers onto the positioning element and displaces the positioning element. The first rotational axis and a second rotational axis of the actuator are arranged at an angle less than 90° relative to one another.

Abstract: A method of imaging a target using a miniaturized imaging device is disclosed comprising providing a miniaturized imaging device having a stationary lens system and an imaging array, wherein the distance from a distal end of the stationary lens system to the imaging array is fixed. The miniaturized imaging device is advanced near the desired target and a distance from a distal end of the stationary lens system to the desired target is determined. A desired wavelength of light is calculated based on the determined distance from the distal end of the stationary lens system to the desired target and the desired wavelength of light is propagated onto the target.

Abstract: A dental apparatus for retracting the cheeks and lips of a patient and illuminating the oral cavity of a patient is provided. The dental apparatus includes LEDs mounted on the cheek retractors. The apparatus allows a dentist to illuminate the interior of the oral cavity without needing additional equipment that hinders access to the oral cavity.

Abstract: A surgical access system including a tissue distraction assembly and a tissue retraction assembly, both of which may be equipped with one or more electrodes for use in detecting the existence of (and optionally the distance and/or direction to) neural structures before, during, and after the establishment of an operative corridor to a surgical target site. The tissue retraction assembly has a plurality of blades which may be introduced while in a closed configuration, after which point they may be opened to create an operation corridor to the surgical target site, including pivoting at least one blade to expand the operative corridor adjacent to the operative site.