Abstract: An economical and effective process for the complete removal of soap scum and dirt from surfaces such as those in showers and bathtubs without any scrubbing has been defined in patent application Ser. No. 14/515,740, filed on Oct. 16, 2014, with an amended title of ‘Method for Cleaning Soap Scum from Hard Surfaces’. This patent application defines cleaning devices that make the said process easy, practical, and automated. The said devices employ the previous referenced process and ultimately eliminates the chore of cleaning the showers and bathtubs.

Abstract: Embodiments provide a stand-alone or self-contained gravity-fed emergency shower including a shower head. A water-tight reservoir is provided, the reservoir including an outlet in fluid communication with a shower head, and an air inlet pipe. The air inlet pipe includes an interior end and an exterior end, the interior end extending into the reservoir to a point below the fill level and above the outlet. The air inlet pipe allows air to enter the reservoir as water drains through the outlet, maintaining a substantially constant head pressure at the outlet, thereby resulting in a substantially constant flow rate of water to the shower head.

Abstract: A combination bathtub/shower base facility including a bathtub unit, and a shower base, wherein the bathtub unit and the shower base are molded together as one unitary piece. The shower base is positioned downstream of any fluid overflowing from the tub. The facility also includes means for providing easy installation of the facility. The facility provides a shower, a bathtub, a relaxation room, a rainroom, a steam space, and a total immersion bath experience.

Abstract: An electronic soap dispenser includes an upper dispensing head supported above a sink deck, and a liquid soap reservoir and a pump assembly supported below the sink deck. A capacitive sensor is operably coupled to the dispensing head. A controller is in electrical communication with the capacitive sensor and activates the pump assembly in response to input from the capacitive sensor.

Abstract: A wet-wipe packaging-body capable of reducing costs for manufacturing the wet-wipe packaging-body and costs for managing and storing components, and solving complexity in managing and storing the components. In a wet-wipe packaging-body in which a wet-wipe body continuously stacked in a folded state is accommodated in a bag-body, an outlet port frame attached to an opening portion of the bag-body has an outlet port frame main-body provided with a resistance application member and a flange portion formed to outwardly project from the outlet port frame main-body in its radial direction. The flange portion has a first surface bonded to an inner surface of the bag-body when the outlet port frame is attached and fixed to the inner portion of the bag-body and a second surface bonded to an outer surface of the bag-body when the outlet port frame is attached and fixed to the outer portion of the bag-body.

Abstract: Disclosed is a toilet scrubber which comprises a non-woven cleaning fabric layer comprising a cleaning composition, and a functional non-woven fabric layer comprising a functional composition, and a toilet cleaner having the toilet scrubber.

Abstract: A foldable, washable, and reusable toilet seat cover is disclosed which protects an individual from direct unsanitary contact with a toilet seat. The cover includes a lower barrier layer, such as made from vinyl, to non-slidably rest the cover on a toilet seat, and an upper comfort layer to provide comfort while sitting on the toilet seat cover. The lower barrier layer and the upper comfort layer are attached together either with adhesive, or by sewing, for example. Additionally, the toilet seat cover folds conveniently into a matching carrying case so as to ensure that the toilet seat cover can be taken wherever it is needed. The toilet seat cover eliminates the need to use excess toilet paper, or flimsy disposable plastic or paper seat covers provided by some public restrooms, the use of which can be both ineffective and inconvenient to use.

Abstract: A toilet comprises a toilet body. A water inlet end is disposed at a side of the toilet body. The water inlet end is connected to a water inlet pipe. The toilet body has a frame top, and a groove is formed downwardly along the frame top. A water outlet end is disposed on a bottom of the groove. The water outlet end is connected to a discharge pipe. A frame seat portion is formed at a top of a urinal. A flow deflector is extended downwardly from a back end of the frame seat portion. The frame seat portion is covered onto the frame top, and a front end of the frame seat portion is pivotally connected to a front end of the frame top of the toilet abody.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner is provided with a handle assembly drivingly connected to the surface cleaning head and comprising a multi-position brush control electrically coupled to the brush motor whereby the brush motor is operable in at least two different modes. An upright surface cleaning apparatus with a removable portable surface cleaning unit is also provided. The upright surface cleaning apparatus includes an air flow path extending from the cleaning head air outlet to the air treatment member air inlet and comprising a flexible electrified air flow conduit wherein the brush motor is electrically connected to the surface cleaning unit by a circuit that includes the flexible electrified air flow conduit, a handle assembly drivingly connected to the surface cleaning head and a brush control electrically coupled to the brush motor.

Abstract: A vacuum air pump and a glass-wiping device are provided. The air pump comprises a driving motor (2), an air pump body (1) and a piston air pump member (15), a rotating shaft (3) is provided in the air pump body, the driving motor transmits power to the rotating shaft via a transmission mechanism, a rotating wheel is fixed on the rotating shaft, a diameter-variable annular limitation groove (5) is formed in the rotating wheel; at least two piston air pump members are provided around the air pump body, a piston rod of each of the members is provided with a rolling element (6) at the end thereof, the rolling element is embedded in the annular limitation groove, the rotating shaft drives the rotating wheel to rotate, and the rolling element rolls within the diameter-variable annular limitation groove in the circumferential direction of the rotating shaft to thereby drive the piston rod (7) to make a reciprocating movement depending on the size change in radius of the diameter-variable annular limitation groove.

Abstract: An autonomous stair climbing platform and surface cleaning apparatus, systems, and methods may be provided. Embodiments of the present disclosure may comprise an autonomous surface cleaning robot capable of ascending and descending stairs a single tread at a time such that each stair can be cleaned in addition to all other floor surfaces. In addition the stair climbing mobility system further allows a plurality of other functions, including, but not limited to telepresence, payload delivery or communication that is not limited to a single level as is the case with currently available systems.

Abstract: A vacuum attachment (1) for a blower (2), comprising: an input air channel (3) having an air inlet (4); and a through channel (5) from a vacuum inlet (6) to an outlet (7), in which the input air channel (3) terminates in a port (8) in the through channel (5), in which the port (8) is positioned so as to direct air flowing from the input air channel (3) in a direction through the through channel (5) away from the vacuum inlet (6), in which the air inlet (4) has a mounting surface (9) on which can be mounted an air outlet (10) of the blower (2) in a releasable and re-engagable manner. Thus, with a blower (2) connected to the air inlet (4), an airflow introduced at the air inlet (4) will cause an airflow from the vacuum inlet (6) to the outlet (7), entraining debris with the airflow.

Abstract: A filtering device of a dust collector (i.e, vacuum cleaner) comprises a filter, a rack, an end cap, and a fixed portion. The filter has filter paper, a sealing member, and the end cap, the filter paper being disposed between the end cap and the sealing member. An end hole penetrating the end cap is provided on the end cap, and the filter is mounted on the rack. A center post is provided on the rack, and the center post runs through the end hole. A locking portion is disposed between the end cap and the fixed portion, and the locking portion firmly locks the center post when the fixed portion is fastened to the end cap. The filtering device of a dust collector does not have an elastic interference fit during implementation, and is more reliably secured; and therefore, it does not accidentally fall off during use.

Abstract: A cleaner including a dust collection unit configured to separate dust from air through centrifugation is provided. The dust collection unit includes a dust collection case having an inlet through which air is introduced and an outlet through which the air is discharged, and a cyclone assembly located in the dust collection case to separate dust from the air introduced through the inlet. The cyclone assembly includes a dust separation housing having an inner space, configured to have a first introduction unit formed at a side surface thereof; and an air curtain generation member coupled to the dust separation housing at a lower part of the first introduction unit, configured to include an air curtain discharge unit arranged at one upper end thereof so that the air curtain discharge unit allows vertical airflow ascending along the first introduction unit to be discharged.

Abstract: An upright water filtration vacuum containing a antimicrobial particulate for anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties. The water filtration vacuum device draws in the air, forcing it in to the water and mixing it with, e.g., nano-silver, returning clean, fresh air in to the home environment.

Abstract: A hand held vacuum cleaner unit and docking assembly for a central vacuum system is shown. The hand held vacuum cleaner has a handle, a suction nozzle, a trigger switch to turn on a battery powered suction motor and an outlet port. The docking assembly fits into a central vacuum cleaner mounting plate, and provides a cradle to store the hand held vacuum cleaner. Recharging contacts, a latch mechanism, seals and an intake port are provided on the docking assembly. When the hand held unit is in the docking assembly it may be electrically charged, and emptied of dirt and debris by activation of the central vacuum system. The docking assembly also includes an access port for a conventional central vacuum hose.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner includes a vacuum component defining an aperture, and a hand vacuum including a removable battery. The hand vacuum is in removable engagement with the vacuum component, and the battery is removable from the hand vacuum through the aperture while the hand vacuum remains in engagement with the vacuum component.

Abstract: A head unit for a surface-treatment apparatus is provided and includes a housing that includes a fluid inlet, a dispensation unit, and at least one baffle. The fluid inlet receives fluid from a fluid reservoir. The dispensation unit defines a dispensation chamber and an input port in fluid communication with each of the dispensation chamber and the fluid inlet. The at least one baffle is configured to direct the flow of fluid through the dispensation unit and out of the elongated dispensation outlet.

Abstract: A steam cleaning device comprising a water tank, a boiler in fluid communication with the water tank, a steam outlet in constant fluid communication with the boiler and a pump for pumping water from the water tank to the boiler. The steam cleaning device includes a first flow path from the water tank to the boiler via the pump and a second flow path from the boiler to the water tank bypassing the pump, and a valve moveable between a first position for selecting the first flow path and a second position for selecting the second flow path.

Abstract: A suction device, including a suction unit, a suction line arrangement that is fluidically connected to the suction unit, a fluid supplying arrangement, a discharge arrangement for fluid, which is fluidically connected to the fluid supplying arrangement, and a guide element that is couplable to the discharge arrangement and the suction line arrangement and that guides fluid from the discharge arrangement into the suction line arrangement, for cleaning the suction line arrangement.

Abstract: An ice scraping device provides an ice scraper having an extendable blade to facilitate storage and transport of the device in a pocket when not in use. The device includes a housing having an opening extending into a bottom side of the housing and a slit extending through the housing. Each of a pair of walls extends from the bottom side of the housing aligned with the opening. A blade has a free edge extendable through the opening and past the walls. The blade is retractable into the opening wherein the free edge of the blade is positioned between the walls. A clip extends through the slit. The clip abuts the base of the blade and is slidable within the slit wherein positioning of the clip within the slit permits extension and retraction of the blade.

Abstract: A cleaning tool head comprises an elongated body having a channel defined therein for retaining an elongated sponge, a second channel for retaining an elongated squeegee blade, a brush extending from a first end of the body and a second sponge extending from a second end of the body.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a scouring pad for washing dishes comprising: (a) a plurality of degradable polyester divided yarns heat-treated at 120 C to 170 C and (b) a plurality of degradable polyester filament yarns, wherein the individual filament yarns are aligned in parallel to each other and the individual divided yarns are positioned between the adjacent two filament yarns and are connected to the adjacent two filaments.

Abstract: A two-sided mop is defined by a plurality of strands. A head band is secured to a first end of the plurality of strands. A first tail band is secured to the first side of the mop and a second tail band is secured to the second side of the mop near the distal ends of the strands to maintain the strands in a spread condition during use.

Abstract: A mop has a plurality of strands secured to a head band. The head band comprises a closed loop formed in a first portion having a first width. A second portion of the head band has a second width where the second width is larger than the first width. The second portion is configured to enclose the distal end of a mop frame when the mop is mounted on the mop frame using the closed loop.

Abstract: A blank for a package, a package, and a kit having a package with a cleaning implement therein. The package has a front panel and side panels with a transition that provides for regions of relatively greater and relatively lesser depth in said package. A window is disposed in the front panel, and registered with the portions of the side panel having relatively lesser depth. This geometry provides the benefit that the package may hold all contents deemed helpful at point of sale, while allowing the cleaning implement to be visible through or protrude through the window without shadows being cast from the side panels.

Abstract: Dishwasher appliances are provided. A dishwasher appliance includes a tub that defines a wash chamber for receipt of articles for washing, and a rack assembly arranged within the tub. The dishwasher appliance further includes a fluid ejection assembly, the fluid ejection assembly including an ejection head disposed within the wash chamber, the ejection head operable to eject fluid into the wash chamber. In one embodiment, the dishwasher appliance further includes a passive deflection assembly, the passive deflection assembly including a deflection unit disposed within the wash chamber for deflecting fluid from the ejection head towards the rack assembly. In another embodiment, the dishwasher appliance further includes a deflection assembly, the deflection assembly including a deflection unit disposed within the wash chamber for deflecting fluid from the ejection head towards the rack assembly, the deflection assembly further including a magnet operable to move the deflection unit.

Abstract: Provided is a filter module which includes: i) an elongated housing extending along an axis between a first and second end and defining an inner chamber; ii) a plurality of hollow fiber membranes comprising a semi-permeable cylindrical wall enclosing a lumen, wherein the membranes extend axially within the inner chamber between the first and second end; iii) a first end cap assembly comprising: a base secured to the first end of the housing, a feed port defining a passageway in fluid communication with the inner chamber, and a gas port adapted for connection to a source of pressurized gas and defining a passageway in fluid communication with the inner chamber; and iv) a second end cap assembly comprising: a base secured to the second end of the housing, a permeate port defining a passageway in fluid communication the lumens of the hollow fiber membranes, and a purge port defining a passageway in fluid communication with the inner chamber.

Abstract: A dish washing machine is provided herein. The dish washing machine includes a switching assembly configured to change a direction of washing water sprayed by a spray unit. The switching assembly includes a switching unit configured to change the direction of the washing water. The switching assembly also includes a damping unit configured to lessen vibrations of the switching unit. Using this structure, the direction of the washing water is efficiently changed by the switching unit, and vibrations and noise are lessened.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a dishwasher (1) comprising a tub (2) wherein the washing items are washed, rinsed and dried, a fan (4) that enables the hot and humid air to be sucked from a suction channel (3) opening into the tub (2) during the drying process and to be mixed with the dry air from the outside environment in a certain ratio, an outlet port (5) that directs the air blown by the fan (4), a discharge channel (6) that is connected to the outlet port (5) of the fan (4) and that enables the air blown by the outlet port (5) of the fan (4) to be delivered to the outside environment, and a return channel (7) that enables the air blown by the outlet port (5) to be redelivered into the tub (2).

Abstract: An observation apparatus includes an imager, a light source unit, an image processor and a light intensity adjusting section. The imager includes types of elements which generate a first signal when the elements receive light included in a sensitivity region. The light source unit includes light sources to emit narrow spectrum light, wavelengths of the light being different from one another and being set so that at least one of the wavelengths is included in each of the sensitivity regions. The image processor generates display data indicating a color image on the basis of the image data. The light intensity adjusting section separately adjusts respective light intensity of the light sources.

Abstract: A surgical system includes a flexible endoscope including a lens at a distal endoscope end, a hollow shaft including a proximal shaft end and a distal shaft end, and an instrument spanning the length of the shaft. The instrument includes a handle portion adjacent the proximal shaft end and a tool portion adjacent the distal shaft end. When the endoscope is inserted into the shaft, the lens provides, adjacent the proximal shaft end, direct visualization of the change in condition of the tool portion of the instrument adjacent to the distal shaft end.

Abstract: A removable, resilient atraumatic sheath for arthroscopic instruments. The sheath covers sharp edges on the arthroscopic instrument, particularly the distal tip of the rigid cannula, and thereby protects tissue and objects near a surgical site from accidental trauma. The sheath may be provided in the form of an inflow/outflow sheath that allows a surgeon to irrigate and drain a surgical field without the use of a separate irrigation instrument.

Abstract: An endoscope including: a shaft having an outer tube and an inner tube, the inner tube being arranged inside the outer tube; and a contact-free magnetic coupling. The contact-free magnetic coupling including: an outer coupling part arranged concentrically with the outer tube, the outer coupling part being arranged outside the outer tube in a radial direction; and an inner coupling part arranged concentrically with the inner tube, the inner coupling part being arranged inside the inner tube in the radial direction; and one or more of light-guiding fibers and electrical conductors are disposed longitudinally within a gap between the outer tube and the inner tube. Where the inner coupling part is configured to be one or more of translatorily and rotationally moved by means of a magnetic operative connection between the outer coupling part and the inner coupling part; and the magnetic operative connection through the gap is rotationally non-symmetric.

Abstract: A focusable camera module for an endoscope, including a housing including a lens assembly in a distal end of the housing, a carrier disposed within the housing, the carrier having a distal end with an aperture, an image sensor attached inside the carrier adjacent to the aperture, a flexible circuit attached to an edge of the image sensor, and a motor slideably displacing the carrier between a retracted position and an extended position, the aperture adjacent to the lens assembly in the extended position, and an endoscope including the focusable camera module.

Abstract: Systems, devices and methods for producing registered images of a body lumen are provided. The system includes a first imaging device having an imager positioned at a distal end thereof, said first imaging device configured to produce a first image of a body cavity; and an imaging system, including a second imaging device having an imager positioned at a distal end thereof and configured to be positioned approximate to said imager of said first imaging device within said body cavity and configured to produce a second image; an elongated member configured to contain said second imaging device; and at least one marker configured to produce registration information in the first image and the second image.

Abstract: In a minimally invasive surgical system, an image capture unit includes a prism assembly and sensor assembly. The prism assembly includes a beam splitter, while the sensor assembly includes coplanar image capture sensors. Each of the coplanar image capture sensors has a common front end optical structure, e.g., the optical structure distal to the image capture unit is the same for each of the sensors. A controller enhances images acquired by the coplanar image capture sensors. The enhanced images may include (a) visible images with enhanced feature definition, in which a particular feature in the scene is emphasized to the operator of minimally invasive surgical system; (b) images having increased image apparent resolution; (c) images having increased dynamic range; (d) images displayed in a way based on a pixel color component vector having three or more color components; and (e) images having extended depth of field.

Abstract: An illumination device includes a light output unit having an output end; an optical member that is disposed in a circumferential direction centered on a predetermined axis and that receives illumination light output from the output end and outputs the illumination light from a surface thereof; and a reflective layer that is provided adjacent to a surface of the optical member at an inner side in a radial direction and that reflects the illumination light outward in the radial direction. The optical member includes, in order from one end in a direction along the axis, a light guide layer and a diffusion layer. The light guide layer receives the illumination light from the output end in the direction along the axis and guides the illumination light. The diffusion layer receives the illumination light from the light guide layer and guides the illumination light while diffusing the illumination light.

Abstract: A blade insert illumination system includes one or more illumination elements composed of a transparent or semitransparent polymer that is preferably biocompatible and sterilizable. The illumination elements operate as a waveguide and may incorporate optical components such as, for example, facets, lenses, gratings, prisms and or diffusers to operate as precision optics for customized delivery of the light energy. The illumination elements may be modular, allowing components to be mixed and matched for different sizes of blade retractors, or may be a single integrated unit.

Abstract: A video introducer (2) is inserted in an endotracheal tube (1) and is retained by engagement of a connector (28) at the rear end of the introducer with a connector (16) inserted in the rear end (13) of the tube. The introducer (2) includes a shaft (21) integral with the connector (28) and having a channel (22) along its length. A cable (34) connected to a video camera (33) at the patient end of the shaft extends along the channel (22) to an electrical connector (35). The forward end (25) of the shaft (21) projects from the forward end (10) of the tube to provide a leading extension for inserting the tube in the trachea.

Abstract: An endoscope having a multiple diameter working section is disclosed. The endoscope includes a housing, a working section, and a rod-lens optical system. The housing is at a proximal end of the endoscope. The working section is integral with and extends from the housing. The working section includes at least a first section and a second section. The first section is contiguous to the housing, and the second section is at a distal end of the endoscope. The rod-lens optical system is positioned at least partially in the first section of the working section and at least partially in the second section of the working section. The endoscope is defined such that the outer diameter of the first section is larger than the outer diameter of the second section.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a data processing method is used for processing collected data acquired with respect to each A-line by swept-source OCT using a wavelength sweeping light source having a predetermined wavelength sweeping range. The data processing method detects a reference signal assigned in advance to a clock, the wavenumber of which linearly varies along the time axis, in a predetermined wavelength position within the predetermined wavelength sweeping range. Then, the data processing method sequentially performs sampling of the collected data based on the clock with reference to the predetermined wavelength position where the reference signal detected is assigned. Further, the data processing method forms an image of a corresponding A-line based on the sampled collected data.

Abstract: A system and method are for analyzing fluorescence of fluorophors in an eye using a non-negative matrix factorization (NMF) method. The NMF method may be initialized with Gaussian mixture model fits and may optionally be constrained to provide identical abundance images for data obtained in response to two or more excitation wavelengths.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a data processing method is used for processing collected data acquired with respect to each A-line by swept-source OCT using a wavelength sweeping light source having a predetermined wavelength sweeping range includes. The data processing method detects a reference signal assigned to a predetermined wavelength position within the predetermined wavelength sweeping range. The data processing method sequentially performs the sampling of the collected data based on a clock from a clock generator configured to operate independently of the wavelength sweeping light source with reference to the predetermined wavelength position where the reference signal detected is assigned. The data processing method forms an image of a corresponding A-line based on the collected data.

Abstract: There is provided an image processing device including a motion vector detection portion that performs comparison of a substantially spherical photographic subject such that, among a plurality of captured images including the photographic subject, an image as a processing target and another image as a comparison target are compared using each of the plurality of captured images as the processing target, and which detects a motion vector of a whole three-dimensional spherical model with respect to the processing target, a motion compensation portion that performs motion compensation on the processing target, based on the motion vector of each of the plurality of captured images that is detected by the motion vector detection portion, and a synthesis portion that synthesizes each of the captured images that are obtained as a result of the motion compensation performed by the motion compensation portion.

Abstract: An image data set acquired by an optical coherence tomography (OCT) system is corrected for effects due to motion of the sample. A first set of A-scans is acquired within a time short enough to avoid any significant motion of the sample. A second more extensive set of A-scans is acquired over an overlapping region on the sample. Significant sample motion may occur during acquisition of the second set. A-scans from the first set are matched with A-scans from the second set, based on similarity between the longitudinal optical scattering profiles they contain. Such matched pairs of A-scans are likely to correspond to the same region in the sample. Comparison of the OCT scanner coordinates that produced each A-scan in a matching pair, in conjunction with any shift in the longitudinal scattering profiles between the pair of A-scans, reveals the displacement of the sample between acquisition of the first and second A-scans in the pair.

Abstract: A system and method for use of a mobile device to capture one or more images of one or more eyes of a user in a period before, during or after conducting one or more tests involving the eyes, vision or eye movements of the user. A position, motion, pattern or other characteristic of the position, motion or movement of one or more eyes may be evaluated in each of such images and comparisons of such positions, motions or movements in the various images may be made as part of a diagnostic effort for various medical conditions.

Abstract: An ophthalmologic imaging apparatus includes a housing configured to include an optical system that irradiates a subject's eye with measurement light and receives returning light returned from the subject's eye irradiated with the measurement light, a rotation unit configured to rotate the housing by making a predetermined position on an optical axis of the optical system as a rotation center, a position changing unit configured to change a position of the rotation center on the optical axis of the optical system, and a holding unit configured to hold a positional relationship between the housing and the subject's eye when the position of the rotation center on the optical axis of the optical system is changed.

Abstract: The present invention provides an exam room shielding (10) for electromagnetically shielding a magnetic resonance in imaging system (2), the exam room shielding (10) comprising a ceiling, a floor, side walls (11) interconnecting the ceiling and the floor, and a tubular shielding device (12), which is arranged to surround an examination tube (3) of the magnetic resonance imaging system (2), wherein both longitudinal ends (13) of the tubular shielding device (12) are circumferentially connected to openings (14) of the side walls (11), and the side walls (11) of the shielding (10) form the outline of an U-shaped room (15) with the longitudinal ends (13) of the tubular shielding device (12) interconnecting the lateral flanks (16) of the U-shaped room (15).The present invention further provides a magnetic resonance imaging system (2) comprising an exam room (1), wherein the exam room (1) has the above exam room shielding (10).

Abstract: The handheld device is useful in the diagnosis of diseases and medical conditions based on audiometric analysis of resonated sound. This device has a mechanism to create a sound with the particular characteristics, a mechanism to transmit the sound into the human body at the given anatomical surface area, a system to pick up or receive the resonated sound, an audiometric analyser and a display to display the results based on the audiometric analysis of resonated sound.