Abstract: A cooking apparatus having a base member and a plurality of side members held together to form a container, a heating means inside the container for generating heat in the container, the container having an opening for placing food to be cooked in the container, and is capable of storing liquid, wherein the heating means is a gas burner and is positioned above a maximum liquid level, and further including a first shield member inside the container, spaced from a side wall of the container and surrounding the burner to restrict flame from the gas burner from contacting the side wall.

Abstract: A double-walled insulated cooking pot has a food vessel, a sleeve positioned around the food vessel, a first insulator, and a second insulator. The insulators are affixed between the food vessel's wall(s) and the sleeve. The outer surface of the wall(s), the inner surface of the sleeve, and the insulators define a vacuum space. An insulated cover for the cooking pot has an upper layer, a lower layer, and a cover insulator. The cover insulator is sealingly engaged with an outer edge of an inner surface of the upper layer and an inner surface of the lower layer. The upper layer, the lower layer, and the cover insulator define a vacuum space within the cover. The pot and cover can be constructed such that the surfaces of the vacuum spaces are reflective.

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: A blender blade includes a body having an aperture; at least one cutting blade extending outwardly at an angle from the body, the cutting blade having a sharp edge, a blunt edge, and a cutting blade face therebetween; and a transition section between the body and the cutting blade defining the angle at which the cutting blade extends outwardly from the body, wherein the transition section includes a gusset.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to a drink container that includes a lower container having a void formed therein configured to hold a liquid, a divider disposed in the void of the lower container, the divider configured to form a plurality of compartments, each compartment being configured to separately hold a liquid, wherein each of the compartments has an open top portion, a film configured to seal the top portions of each of the plurality of compartments, a upper container configured to interact with the lower container and a cutter, the cutter being operably attached to an internal surface of the upper container at a first end, wherein a cutting edge of the cutter is nearer the film than the first end of the cutter.

Abstract: The principal object of this invention is a device to both hold and sanitize toothbrushes when not in use. Keeping toothbrushes both disinfected and pliable will help to preserve oral hygiene and avoid disease. When the device is opened, sanitizer liquid will gravity feed from a container into a connected bath that contains the toothbrush. Because the container is sealed, a vacuum will form, arresting sanitizer flow and resulting in automatic adjustment of the sanitizer level in the bath. Over time the immersed toothbrush will be treated due to contact with the sanitizer. When the device is closed, sanitizer cannot flow out of the container, which allows the device to be easily moved and cleaned. Any number of such devices can be neatly arranged in order to present and sanitize many toothbrushes. The devices will be low cost, potentially disposable, and function without the need for manual refilling or electricity.

Abstract: A shelf support structure for holding shower or bath accessories adapted to be suspended from the top edge of a shower or bathroom wall having a frame that comprises a pair of spaced-apart vertical legs which ascends up and hooks over and then back down forming an inverted U-shape. The frame is attached to a mounting bar designed to support the weight of the shelf support structure and contents. The mounting bar comprises a pair of slots on opposite ends designed to slip over and lock onto a plurality of securing means that are fastened to the drywall just above the top of the shower or bath wall, thereby preventing the shelf support structure from slipping off the top edge of the wall.

Abstract: The invention provides a shower recess comprising: a shower outlet (3) for showering a person; a partition (2) attached at least to a wall (4) for keeping water within the shower recess; a shower tap (6) installed on the wall (4) for regulating at least the flow of water through the shower outlet; wherein the shower tap (6) is positioned substantially in line with the partition (2) and within an opening in the partition shaped to accommodate the shower tap (6), and the shower tap (6) comprises a handle (20b) on the shower recess side of the partition for operation when the person is inside the recess and a handle (20a) on the outer side of the partition for operation when the person is outside the recess.

Abstract: The present invention provides a ready-to-assemble toilet having excellent strength. The ready-to-assemble toilet is a box-shaped ready-to-assemble toilet made of corrugated board or cardboard. The ready-to-assemble toilet includes first to fourth sidewall portions and a bottom portion. Each of the first to fourth sidewall portions includes an outer sidewall, an inner sidewall and a horizontal wall. The horizontal walls of the first and second sidewall portions overlap each other. The horizontal walls of the second and third sidewall portions overlap each other. The horizontal walls of the third and fourth sidewall portions overlap each other. The horizontal walls of the fourth and first sidewall portions overlap each other.

Abstract: A robotic cleaning device including a main body having a front end portion with a front end wall, a rear end portion, a right side wall connecting the front end wall and the rear end portion and a left side wall connecting the front end wall and the rear end portion. At least one driving wheel is arranged to move the robotic cleaning device across a surface to be cleaned. A cleaning member is arranged at a bottom side of the main body for removing debris from the surface to be cleaned, the cleaning member being arranged in the front end portion of the main body. The main body is arranged such that its width is greatest between the right side wall and the left side wall, and the greatest width is located at the front end portion of the main body.

Abstract: A portable surface cleaning apparatus is removably mounted from a wheeled base. The portable surface cleaning apparatus is provided with an energy storage member and a suction motor.

Abstract: A handheld cleaning device comprising a housing having a handle for gripping the device; a motor-fan assembly for generating an air flow; a cleaning head comprising a suction nozzle in fluid communication with the motor-fan assembly and a cleaning accessory mounted on the cleaning head; and a fluid tank in fluid communication with the suction nozzle and the motor-fan assembly for receiving fluid from the suction nozzle in the air flow; wherein the cleaning head is rotatably mounted on the housing and the cleaning head is rotatable about a longitudinal axis of the housing between a first position in which the suction nozzle is in an operable position and a second position in which the cleaning accessory is in an operable position.

Abstract: A hand carryable surface cleaning apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a main body housing a suction motor, and a cyclone bin assembly removably mounted to the main body. The cyclone bin assembly may be partially or wholly nested in the body when the cyclone bin assembly is mounted to the body. The cyclone bin assembly may be removably mounted to a lower surface of the main body. The cyclone bin assembly may be removably mounted as a sealed unit.

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

Abstract: A method for operating a system of at least one stationary domestic appliance and a mobile domestic appliance includes connecting the mobile domestic appliance using wireless communication to the at least one stationary domestic appliance and exchanging data between the mobile domestic appliance and the at least one stationary domestic appliance.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for cleaning a surface. In one example, the method includes passing a feed liquid from a liquid source to an electrolysis cell and inducing a current through the electrolysis cell to electrochemically activate the feed liquid in the electrolysis cell. Electrolysis of the feed liquid can generate an electrochemically-activated liquid that is super-saturated with dissolved gases (e.g., oxygen and/or hydrogen) and also contains nanobubbles. In one configuration, the electrolysis cell generates a concentration of nanobubbles having a diameter of 10 nm to 450 nm of at least 1×106. The method can further involve dispensing at least one portion of the electrochemically-activated liquid to the surface.

Abstract: A dual-bladed scraper includes a handle extending between a proximal end including a grip portion and a distal end extending forwardly of the proximal end. A blade-retaining head is rotatably mounted to the distal end for pivotal movement about a head-rotation axis. The head has opposed first and second ends configured for retaining, respectively, first and second scraping blades on mutually opposite sides of the head-rotation axis about which the head is pivotable between first and second angular positions. The first angular position is such that the first blade is in a deployed attitude and the second blade is shrouded in a non-deployed attitude beneath the handle. Conversely, the second angular position is such that the second blade is in a deployed attitude and the first blade is shrouded in a non-deployed attitude beneath the handle.

Abstract: A multipurpose tool including a frame defining a first edge, a second edge and a third edge joined one to the other at the ends thereof to form an enclosure. The tool including a center portion coupled to each of the first, second and third edges, and having a first tool coupled to the first edge, a second tool coupled to the second edge; and a third tool coupled to the third edge. A grip being attached to the center portion. A multi-purpose tool kit is provided comprising a multi-purpose tool and a plurality of pads, each pad being configured to removably attach to an edge of the multi-purpose tool.

Abstract: A new towel capable of replacing a cleaning ball and a bath glove, and a manufacturing method therefor. The towel comprises a base layer (1) and pile layers (2), wherein some or all of pile monomers (3) of the pile layers which are located on one side or both sides of the base layer are made from polyester fibers with a low melting point by heating and shaping. The towel has the characteristics of less water absorption, moderate hardness and impossibility of becoming soft, increasing hardness or mildewing, etc. after being used for a long time.

Abstract: A wringer connector for connecting a mop handle to a lever of a mop wringer to allow the mop handle to actuate the lever. The wringer connector comprises a first connector securable to one of the lever and the mop handle and engageable with the one of the lever and the mop handle to rotationally fix the first connector with respect to the one of the lever and the mop handle; and a second connector extending from the first connector and engageable with the other of the lever and the mop handle to functionally connect the mop handle to the lever.

Abstract: The present invention provides a dishwasher appliance and a diverter for a dishwasher appliance. The diverter uses a turbine powered by a flow of fluid from a pump to switch between different outlet ports. In a dishwasher appliance, fluid from the pump that, e.g., supplies one or more spray assemblies can be used to cause the diverter to switch between different fluid outlets and the different spray assemblies or other fluid-using elements. A separate motor to power the diverter or cycling of the pump to change the position of the diverter is not required, which allows a savings in energy usage, costs, and space.

Abstract: Dishwasher doors with multiple silverware baskets are disclosed. A disclosed example dishwasher includes a tub at least partially defining a treating chamber having an opening, a door movably mounted to the tub to selectively open and close the opening, and two or more silverware baskets mounted one above the other on an interior of the door.

Abstract: A dish organizing device for organizing, soaking, washing, and drying dirty or used dishware. The dish organizing device includes a container having a base, one or more sidewalls, and an open upper end, defining an interior volume. The base comprises a plurality of ridges used to support and organize dishes and an opening to allow liquid to drain from the container. The device further includes one or more removable utensil holders that can be attached to the sidewalls of the container by means of a U-shaped lip disposed on the upper end of the removable utensil holder. One or more hooks can be removably attached to the sidewalls so that drinkware may be held thereon. The device prevents dishware from being haphazardly piled on top of one another and subsequently causing dishware to break. The device further provides additional dishware washing capacity when a user's sink is already occupied.

Abstract: A robotic control system employs a robot unit (10) and a control unit (20). The robot unit (10) includes an endoscope (12) for generating an endoscope image (14), and a robot (11) for moving the endoscope (12) within an anatomical region. The control unit (20) includes an endoscope controller (22) for a determination of an endoscope pose within the anatomical region for an intraoperative visualization of the anatomical feature within the endoscope image (14), wherein the endoscope path is derived from a delineation of a volume coordinate position of the anatomical feature within a pre-operative image (43) of the anatomical region. The control unit (20) further includes a robot controller (21) for commanding the robot (11) to move the endoscope (12) to the endoscope pose within the anatomical region to visualize the anatomical feature within the endoscope image (14).

Abstract: An imaging device includes: an imaging element that generates an image signal of a subject; an observation method determining unit that determines, based on identification information indicating types of a control device connected to the imaging device, whether the control device adopts a first observation method for processing an image signal indicating a plurality of images of the subject per one frame period or a second observation method for processing an image signal indicating a single image of the subject per one frame period; and a data reducing unit. If the control device adopts the second observation method, the data reducing unit reduces a data amount of the image signal to be transmitted to the control device per unit time such that a transmission rate indicating the data amount of the image signal per unit time is acceptable to the control device that adopts the second observation method.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and devices for minimally invasive diagnosis and treatment of joint injuries. Small diameter endoscopic devices are used for visualization and second part is used to provide access for the insertion of small diameter surgical tools without the use of distending fluid. Preferred embodiments of the endoscopic devices can utilize wireless transmission to a handheld display device to visualize diagnostic and therapeutic procedures in accordance with the invention.

Abstract: An introduction device includes, a grip portion which has a first wall portion, and a second wall portion, a curving portion which is configured to curve in a first surface and in a second surface that intersects at right angles with the first surface, a first dial portion which is rotatably provided in the first wall portion and which curves the curving portion in the first surface in accordance with a rotation amount, and a dial unit includes a shaft rotatably provided on the second wall portion, and a second dial portion which is fixed to the shaft and which curves the curving portion in the second surface in accordance with a rotation amount, the shaft being oblique to the longitudinal axis when seen from the side of the second wall portion.

Abstract: Balloon probes, adapted for use in endoscopy and other medical procedures, are useful to obtain spectroscopic information reflected or emitted from a tissue of interest in the infrared spectral region. The information collected by the probe is useful in the diagnosis and treatment of disease. The invention also relates to methods utilizing these probes to analyze a surface of interest, in a minimally invasive manner, in connection with the diagnosis and treatment of disease.

Abstract: A surgical instrument is inserted through a guide tube. The surgical instrument exits at an intermediate position of the guide tube and is oriented to be substantially parallel to the guide tube's longitudinal axis as it exits. A stereoscopic image capture component is on the guide tube between the intermediate position and the guide tube's distal end. The image capture component's field of view is generally perpendicular to the guide tube's longitudinal axis. The guide tube is jointed to allow the image capture component to be moved. The surgical instruments and the guide tube are telemanipulatively controlled.

Abstract: An image pickup apparatus includes: a rectangular parallelepiped image pickup chip made of a semiconducting material, in which a plurality of function portion patterns including a light-receiving portion are formed on a first main surface; and a cover glass in which an alignment marks is formed at each of at least two places that are in a predetermined positional relationship with a function portion pattern, and which is made of a transparent material that is bonded via an adhesive layer so as to cover the light-receiving portion.

Abstract: Imaging spectrometers can be used to generate hyperspectral images for medical diagnoses, contaminant detection, and food safety inspections, among other applications. An exemplary imaging spectrometer includes an integrated position sensing array that measures the relative positions of the interferometer components based on an interference pattern generated by illuminating the interferometer with a reference beam. Such an imaging spectrometer includes a processor that controls the interferometer component position by actuating a voice coil and several piezo-electric elements to align the components with respect to each other and to provide a desired optical path length mismatch between the interferometer arms. In some cases, the processor may use feedback and feed forward control, possibly based on the actuators' transfer functions, for more precise positioning. The processor may also implement adaptive and recursive spectral sampling to reduce the image acquisition period.

Abstract: An oral monitoring system is provided. The oral monitoring system includes one or more cameras configured for installation in a mouth for capturing images. A memory is configured for storing images. One or more processors are configured to process images captured by the one or more cameras, and a wireless transmitter is configured to transmit data corresponding to the captured images. A chemical sensor is further provided and the wireless transmitter is further configured to transmit data corresponding to substances detected by the chemical sensor.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes an optical fiber having a proximal end and a distal end, the optical fiber configured to emit light at the distal end. The surgical instrument also includes at least one scattering material coupled to the proximal end, the distal end, or a combination of both the proximal end and the distal end.

Abstract: An ophthalmologic apparatus acquires a plurality of images by photographing a plurality of different regions of an eye at different times to generate one image by using the acquired plurality of images. The ophthalmologic apparatus includes a determination unit configured to determine, in the plurality of regions, at least one region that does not include any region actually photographed as the plurality of images, and a control unit configured to control the ophthalmologic apparatus in such a way as to capture an image of the determined region of the eye.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus generates one image by using at least one frame each of a plurality of moving images obtained by taking moving images of a plurality of different regions of an eye at different times. The apparatus includes a deciding unit configured to decide the at least one frame in each of the plurality of moving images, so that regions which have actually been shot are included in the plurality of moving images in the plurality of regions; and an image generating unit configured to generate one image by using the at least one frames decided from each of the plurality of moving images.

Abstract: In exemplary implementations of this invention, an aberrometer is used to measure the refractive condition of any eye. An artificial light source emits light that travels to a light sensor. Along the way, the light enters and then exits the eye, passes through or is reflected from one or more spatial light modulators (SLMs), and passes through an objective lens-system. The SLMs modify a bokeh effect of the imaging system (which is only visible when the system is out-of-focus), creating a blurred version of the SLM patterns. The light sensor then captures one or more out-of-focus images. If there are refractive aberrations in the eye, these aberrations cause the SLM patterns captured in the images to be distorted. By analyzing differences between the distorted captured patterns and the undistorted SLM patterns, refractive aberrations of the eye can be computed and an eyewear measurement generated.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to a method of extracting eye velocity information from a video footage having a plurality of frames, comprising detecting at least part of an eye in at least two frames of the video footage, applying an optical flow algorithm to the at least two frames of the video footage to extract pixel velocity information, and determining a statistical measure from the pixel velocity information within the detected at least part of the eye. Other embodiments of the invention relate to a method of extracting head image trajectory information from a video footage having a plurality of frames, comprising detecting at least part of a facial region of the head image in at least two frames of the video footage, determining a measure of the movement of the at least part of a facial region between the at least two frames, and determining a transformation map from the measure of the movement.

Abstract: A detector detects head postures and gaze directions from images of a person to be measured captured by an imaging unit; a generation unit generates a gaze direction distribution with respect to each of the head postures, from the head postures and the gaze directions detected by the detector; a calibration unit determines predetermined one of the head postures as a reference posture, and calculates calibration parameters to be used to calibrate the gaze direction distribution with respect to the reference posture; and a correction unit corrects the gaze direction distributions with respect to the head postures other than the reference posture by using the calibration parameters calculated by the calibration unit. This reduces the influence on the calibration which may vary due to change in the head posture.

Abstract: A system may comprise an ophthalmoscope having a proximal end, a distal end, and a body portion with a light receptacle. The system may include a control assembly having a first side with a coupler configured to engage the proximal end of the ophthalmoscope and an extension arm configured to engage the body portion of the ophthalmoscope. The control assembly may further include a second side configured to engage a computing device having a camera and a camera flash. The control assembly may further include a sensor configured to detect light from the camera flash, a light source configured to be received in at least a portion of the light receptacle, and a circuit board configured to operatively connect the sensor and the light source. The circuit board is configured to trigger the light source in response to the camera flash.

Abstract: Provided is an ophthalmologic apparatus including one dichroic mirror, which is arranged eccentrically with respect to an optical axis of light from an eye to be inspected to separate the light from the eye to be inspected; another dichroic mirror, which is configured to separate light separated by the one dichroic mirror by being transmitted through the one dichroic mirror; and a positive lens, which is configured to guide the light from the eye to be inspected to the one dichroic mirror as convergent light, and to guide the light from the eye to be inspected to the another dichroic mirror as divergent light, wherein an eccentric section of the one dichroic mirror and an eccentric section of the another dichroic mirror have a positional relationship of being substantially perpendicular to each other and having substantially the same eccentric amount, to thereby correct astigmatism.

Abstract: A system for visualization of eye anatomy includes at least one camera having a view vector along a first axis when in a first position, a housing to which the camera is coupled, wherein the housing engages the head of a patient such that the camera is positioned adjacent an eye of the patient, and an actuator that moves the camera from the first position to a second position with a view vector along a second axis that is offset from the first axis. A method of visualization of eye anatomy includes engaging a patient's head with a housing, positioning at least one camera coupled to the housing adjacent an eye, wherein the camera has a view vector along a first axis when in a first position, and moving the camera to a second position with a view vector along a second axis that is offset from the first axis.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for measuring pressure under a flexible cover by utilizing electromagnetic waves. Laser radiation is directed to the cover from a distance to generate vibration or a mechanical wave at the cover at at least one generation location of the cover on the basis of photoacoustic phenomena. Based on the electromagnetic waves, cover vibrations are detected due to the mechanical wave, and recorded to detect the mechanical wave at at least one recording location and to form mechanical wave information. Pressure information of pressure under the flexible cover is detected based on at least one recorded signal.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the coupling of medical procedures with protocols and advanced software applications, coordinating existing medical procedures and protocols with image detection software to integrate and enhance the identification of IMDs and the detection of RSIs. In one aspect, the emergency room or the operating room protocol is modified so that a scan or XR of the patient is taken for identification of any IMD's. In another aspect, the operating room protocol is modified so that there is an additional step of calibrating an intraoperative or post-operative scans or XR specifically for detecting RSIs and/or identifying IMDs in addition to any scans or XRs performed for the purpose of monitoring the treatment of the patient.

Abstract: A heart monitoring system for a person includes one or more wireless nodes; and wearable appliance in communication with the one or more wireless nodes, the appliance monitoring vital signs.

Abstract: Provided are implantable or surface mounted biomedical devices and related methods for interfacing with a target tissue. The devices have a substrate and device component supported by the substrate. The components of the device are specially configured and packaged to be ultra-thin and mechanically compliant. In particular, device thicknesses are less than 1 mm and have lateral dimensions between about 1 ?m and 10 mm, depending on the application. Delivery substrates may be incorporated to assist with device implantation and handling. The devices can be shaped to provide injection in a minimally invasive manner, thereby avoiding unnecessary tissue damage and providing a platform for long-term implantation for interfacing with biological tissue.

Abstract: The laser speckle interferometric system includes a memory for storing a measurement result of a correction parameter and models for matching a result of processing the speckle pattern to the parameters of the object and a processor for stabilizing the speckle pattern detected by controlling a condition for detecting the speckle pattern in real time, processing a time-varying function representing a temporal change in the speckle pattern based on the speckle pattern and the parameters and generating data indicating tested parameters.

Abstract: The present invention is a Miniature Vein Enhancer that includes a Miniature Projection Head. The Miniature Projection Head may be operated in one of three modes, AFM, DBM, and RTM. The Miniature Projection Head of the present invention projects an image of the veins of a patient, which aids the practitioner in pinpointing a vein for an intravenous drip, blood test, and the like. The Miniature projection head may have a cavity for a power source or it may have a power source located in a body portion of the Miniature Vein Enhancer. The Miniature Vein Enhancer may be attached to one of several improved needle protectors, or the Miniature Vein Enhancer may be attached to a body similar to a flashlight for hand held use. The Miniature Vein Enhancer of the present invention may also be attached to a magnifying glass, a flat panel display, and the like.

Abstract: An object information acquiring apparatus employed in the present invention includes: a plurality of transducers that generate an electric signal upon reception of an acoustic wave from a measurement subject; a supporter that supports the plurality of transducers such that directional axes of at least a part of the plurality of transducers are gathered together; a point sound source; means for controlling relative positions of the measurement subject and the supporter; a processor that determines respective distances from the plurality of transducers to a focus position of the measurement subject and generates property information relating to the focus position; and a corrector that determines correction data.

Abstract: An object information acquiring apparatus including a receiver provided with: a plurality of detecting elements which receive an acoustic wave from an object and generate an electrical signal and provided with a container-shaped supporter which supports the plurality of detecting elements; and a tank which holds an acoustic matching liquid; and a flow path which connects the tank with a liquid inlet port and a liquid discharge port provided in the receiver, the object information acquiring apparatus further including: a liquid circulator which controls a flow of the acoustic matching liquid; a UV irradiator which irradiates the acoustic matching liquid with ultraviolet light onto; and a processor which uses the electrical signal to generate property information on the interior of the object.

Abstract: A medical system includes a medical instrument (102) configured for interventional deployment and a shape sensing system (104) mounted on or in the medical instrument and configured to measure a shape of the medical instrument during the interventional deployment. An imaging device (106) is mounted on or in the medical instrument and configured to image a lumen in which the imaging device is deployed. A registration module (140) is configured to register the shape of the medical instrument to an image of the lumen at a particular time to reconstruct a three-dimensional geometry of the lumen, accounting for motion.