Abstract: A method and an article of manufacture are disclosed for making and using a configurable coaster to support a drink cup on a table and also to use as a stand for a smartphone. In various embodiments, a sheet material, such as cardboard, plastic, laminates, and the like is used to create a flat plate having partially perforated or grooved lines in a pattern that defines various flaps configured to allow transformation of the flat plate into a smartphone stand by bending the flaps to create a three-dimensional stand. Before transformation, the flat plate may be used as a coaster for placing under cups and glasses. After transformation, the flat plate may be used as a stand for cellphones, books, small electronic devices, pictures, or any other object or device that may stand for display, presentation, or operation.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a boot hanger and a boot hanger system and methods that provide for storage of boots. In an example, a boot hanger apparatus comprises an upper suspension portion and a boot support leg, wherein the upper suspension portion and boot support leg are connected by a counterbalance. The counterbalance is provided to control rotation and preferably to maintain a target slope angle ? when a suspended boot hanger contains boots in a loaded condition. Further provided are coupler apparatus for forming a series of connected boot hangers suspended along a common vertical axis. In some examples, the boot hanger includes a hook-shaped suspension portion for attachment to a suspension apparatus such as a rod or a coupler within a series of connected boot hangers.

Abstract: A shoe horn apparatus comprising: a handle at one end, a shoe horn at the other end and a shaft mounted between the handle and the shoe horn, wherein the shaft is attached at its upper end to the handle and at its lower end to the shoe horn; a spring loaded actuating member mounted near the handle, such that it can be actuated by a user with the same hand the user holds the handle with; a spring loaded grip member mounted near the shoe horn such that it can grip the back of a shoe between the back of the shoe horn and the grip member upon actuation or release of the actuating member by a user; and, a transmission mechanism mounted between the actuating member and the grip member.

Abstract: A food press has a first handle with first and second ends. The food press has a second handle with first and second ends. The first and second handles are hingedly connected to one another at their first ends. The food press has an intermediate member hingedly connected to the first end of the second handle and slidingly connected to the first end of the first handle. The intermediate member substantially fills the space between the first and second handles when the first and second handles are brought together. The press may be configured as a seafood cracker, nutcracker, garlic press, and/or food slicer.

Abstract: A valve structure includes a housing having an interior chamber, a first conduit connecting the interior chamber with a cooking chamber of a cooking device and having a first discharge cross-section, a second conduit connecting the interior chamber with the outside environment and having a second discharge cross-section, and at least one valve seat within the interior chamber having at least one valve seat opening which cooperates with at least one valve disc. The at least one valve disc moves between a closed position on the valve seat opening, and an open position spaced apart from the valve seat opening by changes in pressure in the cooking chamber. The valve operates to allow bidirectional flow of fluid to relieve over pressure and underpressure conditions, and enables automatic balancing of low pressure or vacuum in the cooking chamber.

Abstract: An improved steamer for heating food includes a base with a heating unit and a controlling switch, a plurality of pot units, a plurality of racks, and a lid. The pot units seat on top of the base, and the racks are placed on a bottom of each pot unit. Several steam ducts are arranged on ends of the pot units, and an opening is defined in the steam ducts. A cover is put on the opening. The lid is placed onto the upper pot unit. When the steamer with food is heated, the steam from the heating unit is introduced into the pot units from the openings of the steam ducts to heat the food. Each pot unit is isolated, and the steam introduced will not mix, and odors from the pot units will not interfere with other pot units.

Abstract: An information handling system (IHS) includes a coffee design application. The IHS receives first input information from a user that specifies a coffee design mode. The IHS receives second input information from a user that enables the IHS to define a unitless brew formula line ratio of water weight to coffee weight. The IHS displays a brew formula line on a universal brewing control chart graph, the brew formula line being dependent on the brew formula ratio. The IHS operates in a selected one of a brew water volume mode, a desired coffee yield mode and a ground coffee weight mode. The IHS converts input values to selected units and resultant output values to selected units in real time. The IHS projects a target total dissolved solids (TDS) % value on the brew formula line and plots a universal brewing control chart.

Abstract: A beverage brewing package includes a cup and a filter bag. The filter bag is supported in an interior region formed in the cup.

Abstract: A machine for preparing beverages is described. The machine has a support structure which defines a first area for receiving a capsule that contains a beverage preparation and a second area for beverage delivery. The machine has support means for supporting the capsule containing a beverage preparation at the first area and means for directing a localized hot air jet to a predetermined localized portion of an enclosure of the capsule to form a first through opening in the predetermined localized portion thereby allowing the beverage preparation to come out therefrom.

Abstract: A container includes an emulsifying device having a milk suction pipe, a nozzle for supplying hot or emulsified milk with a discharge end outside the container, a steam inlet and an air inlet. The container is thermally insulated so as to better preserve the milk.

Abstract: A bottle warmer includes a flexible tubular sleeve having a closed lower end and an open upper end. The open upper end is to receive a bottle therethough, and the closed lower end is to receive a bottom of the bottle thereagainst. An elastic band is carried by a medial portion of the flexible tubular sleeve to secure the medial portion to an adjacent portion of the bottle, and permit the open upper end to be folded back adjacent the closed lower end to define a pocket. A chemical heat source element is to be received by the pocket for warming the bottle.

Abstract: An oven comprising a housing, a cavity located within the housing, and a rotator having a first food loading section and a second food loading section is disclosed. The cavity includes a single opening for loading a food item into the cavity. If one of the first food loading section and the second food loading section is located outside of said cavity, then the other of the first food loading section and the second food loading section is located within said cavity. A first cook setting of the oven when the first food loading section is within the cavity and a second cook setting of the oven when the second food loading section is within the cavity are independently controllable. The first food loading section and the second food loading section may be separated by a divider, which prevents heat from escaping from the cavity through the opening.

Abstract: A food processor feed tube assembly includes a first feed tube extension and a second feed tube extension telescopically and slidably received in the first feed tube extension. The second feed tube extension is configured to be movable from a retracted position in which the second feed tube extension is substantially entirely nested within the first feed tube extension, and an extended position in which the second feed tube extension is extended from the first feed tube extension.

Abstract: An assistive bath ring for use by a child or adult to provide support for the user to sit in a bathtub. The bath ring comprises an essentially cylindrically shaped framework comprising a circular solid base, a circularly shaped ring attached to the base by height adjusting telescoping leg components; wherein the ring has a front and a rear; and further comprising a hinge in the circular shaped arm rail creating a gate to allow the circularly shaped ring arm rail to open and close.

Abstract: The handheld scrubbing assembly for selectively dispensing a detergent includes a reservoir that may contain a detergent. A brush is operationally coupled to the reservoir. The detergent is dispensed onto the brush. A tubular handle is operationally coupled to the reservoir. The tubular handle may be gripped. A cap is operationally coupled to the tubular handle. The cap is removed so the detergent is poured into the tubular handle. The detergent is stored in the reservoir.

Abstract: A wall-mountable apparatus enables a user to scrub the user's back hands-free. The apparatus includes two primary features, namely, a slider plate and a back-engaging assembly. The slider plate includes laterally opposed plate-to-assembly engaging structures. The back-engaging assembly includes a plate-engaging interface structure, a bezel structure and a liquid material delivery assembly. The plate-engaging interface structure includes laterally-opposed plate-engaging structures. The laterally-opposed plate-engaging structures cooperate with the plate-to-assembly engaging structures for attaching the back-engaging assembly to the slider plate. The bezel structure includes a hemi-ovoidal outer surface, and an assembly-receiving inner surface. The liquid delivery apparatus is received adjacent the assembly-receiving surface and includes a liquid receptacle and liquid delivery elements.

Abstract: An implement for the cleaning of areas around the human eye, especially the upper and lower lids and the eye lashes, includes a reusable cleaning implement having at least one low absorbency pad of a soft looped material for cleaning areas adjacent the eye orb wherein the loops of the material capture and remove oils, debris, crusts and cosmetics such as eye liner and mascara. Once laid on a surface, the pad of the article is elevated away from the surface to prevent soiling. The looped material of the pad is cleanable with at least soap and water, and dries rapidly.

Abstract: The invention describes a cleaning system in the form of a mitt having cleaning pads attached by reversible fastening means so that pads may be electively and consecutively attached, removed, or replaced. Furthermore, the invention provides a means for introducing, retaining, dispensing, and distributing a fluid, such as water or a liquid cleaning product, so that a removable pad may be irrigated with a regulated dose of fluid prior to use. The invention also describes a cooperative enclosure that can store a plurality of cleaning pads. Features of the compatible enclosure serve to physically guide the body of the mitt into alignment with a replacement pad.

Abstract: A fibrous structure having a total dry tensile strength of greater than about 59 g/cm and at least one embossed ply having a surface thereof is disclosed. The surface has a surface area comprising from about 10.0 percent to about 20.0 percent line embossments. Also, a fibrous structure having at least two plies is disclosed. One of the two plies has a total dry tensile strength of greater than about 59 g/cm and at least one embossed ply having a surface thereof. The surface has a surface area comprising from about 10.0 percent to about 20.0 percent line embossments.

Abstract: An object of the present disclosure is to provide an apparatus for dispensing absorbent sheet material from a roll. The apparatus includes a roll holder for rotatably supporting said roll, and a roll fill level indicator arrangement. The roll fill level indicator arrangement includes a pivoting arm and a moveable first indicator device. The pivoting arm includes roll engagement device for engagement with an outer peripheral surface of said roll. A position of said first indicator device is continuously responsive to an angular position of said pivoting arm, such that said roll fill level indicator arrangement is able to provide a gradual roll fill level indication.

Abstract: A system for consecutively dispensing paper sheet material from a stub roll and a primary roll which utilizes a pivoted transfer door to locate a lead end portion of the primary roll in dispensing position responsive to disengagement between the transfer door and a pivoted lever supporting the stub roll.

Abstract: A specially designed toilet seat accessory that is operated via hydraulics and an integrated, electronic foot pedal to provide consumers a sanitary and convenient hands-free method of lifting and lowering the toilet seat.

Abstract: A toilet having a base wherein the base is configured with an integrated storage compartment. The integrated storage compartment is secured to the base using suitable techniques and includes a rear wall, bottom and outer wall configured to define an interior volume. The outer wall is hingedly secured to the bottom and is operable to transition to a second open position providing access to the interior volume. A plurality of shelves and/or storage containers are disposed within the interior volume operable to receive and store items therein. The outer wall is formed so as to mateably align with at least a portion of the bowl so as to create a seamless appearance therewith. The rear wall of the storage compartment further includes a protruded portion operable to mate with a plumbing recess on the base of the toilet.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner with a flexible head portion and combined suction and blowing mechanism to agitate debris. An external pressured air source is used to provide a source of pressured air for the blowing mechanism. The head portion has blowing and suction nozzles arranged such that the suction nozzles surround the blowing nozzles or vice versa. The blowing and suction nozzles may be in parallel rows and may have almost perpendicular trajectories. The blowing mechanism may be operated according to an alternating pulsing pattern corresponding to different blowing nozzle groups to create a repeating and bidirectional agitation effect onto stubborn debris in the area between the nozzle groups. The flexible head portion is formed by a grid of head portion units attached to each other by a joining mechanism. The flexible head portion has a concave shape in its relaxed state and can at least partially conform to irregular surfaces.

Abstract: A surface cleaning apparatus is provided wherein a uniflow cyclone comprises a cyclone chamber defined by a longitudinal axis, the cyclone chamber having a dirt outlet that has a variable length in the direction of the longitudinal axis. A cyclone chamber having a barrier wall facing the dirt outlet of the cyclone chamber is also provided.

Abstract: A surface treating appliance includes a surface treating head rotatably connected to a yoke, and a main body pivotably moveable relative to the yoke about a pivot axis between an upright position and a reclined position. A retaining mechanism is provided for inhibiting rotation of the head relative to the yoke when the main body is in the upright position. The retaining mechanism includes a locking member which is moveable between a stowed position and a deployed position for inhibiting rotation of the head relative to the yoke, and an actuator for urging the locking member towards its deployed position. To provide a compact appliance, the actuator moves with the main body about the pivot axis to urge the locking member towards its deployed position as the main body is moved to the upright position.

Abstract: A roller brush for a cleaning appliance that includes a brush core defining a longitudinal axis of rotation and three or more dual rows of bristles disposed on and equidistantly spaced along a circumference the brush core. Each dual row of bristles includes a first bristle row of a first bristle composition and having a first height and a second bristle row of a second bristle composition stiffer than the first bristle composition and having a second height. The second bristle row is circumferentially spaced from the first bristle row by a gap less than or equal to 10% of the first height. Also, the first height is less than or equal to 90% of the second height.

Abstract: A cleaning device includes a refillable handle, a scrubbing member, a plurality of bristles, and a squeegee. The refillable handle includes first and second end portions and a hollow interior configured to hold a cleaning fluid. The scrubbing member is positioned at the first end portion of the handle and arranged in flow communication with the hollow interior. The plurality of bristles are mounted to the handle. The squeegee is mounted to the second end portion of the handle.

Abstract: A dishwasher includes a water intake device having a hot water intake which receives hot water from an external hot water supply fed, at least partially, by a thermal solar system, and a cold water intake which receives cold water from an external cold water supply. A program control device stores at least one wash program for controlling a wash cycle for cleaning dishes. The at least one wash program has a program step for washing dishes using hot water from the hot water supply and another program step for washing dishes using cold water from the cold water supply.

Abstract: A spray arm assembly for a dishwashing appliance is provided. The assembly can provide for sprays of fluid at different angles against the articles to be cleaned. For example, the spray arm assembly can have at least two spray bodies rotatable in opposite directions. Because the fluid is sprayed from the spray bodies at different angles and from different directions, more efficient and effective cleaning can be accomplished. In certain embodiments of the invention, one or both spray bodies may be operated at any one time and/or at different flow rates.

Abstract: A method for operating a dishwasher appliance is provided. The method includes interrupting a flow of wash fluid from a filtered volume of a sump to a spray assembly for a period of time during a wash cycle and resuming the flow of wash fluid from the filtered volume of the sump to the spray assembly after the period of time has elapsed during the wash cycle. The method can assist with limiting clogging of a filter media positioned between the filtered volume of the sump and an unfiltered position of the sump.

Abstract: An appliance such as a dishwasher comprises an upper region and a lower region forming an appliance footprint. Positioned in the upper region is a spray arm assembly and a wash tub forming a wash zone. The wash zone has a low or reduced capacity, thereby holding fewer objects than conventional dishwashers but maintaining the appliance footprint so that the dishwasher fits an appliance opening, e.g., in kitchen cabinetry, that has a standard width dimension and a standard height dimension. In one embodiment, the wash zone has an opening through is received a rack, which supports the objects in the wash zone. The rack is moveable between a first position and a second position, and in one example, the rack is configured to move between the first position and the second position relative to the wash zone and independent of the spray arm assembly.

Abstract: An endoscope system includes: an image storage section that stores image information associated with position information of a luminal organ of a subject; a virtual endoscopic image generating section that generates a virtual endoscopic image endoscopically depicted; an image pickup section that picks up an image in the luminal organ; a position registration processing section that compares the virtual endoscopic image and an endoscopic image, and extracts an virtual endoscopic image similar to the endoscopic image; a position estimation section that estimates a distal end position of an endoscope insertion portion; a feature region determination section that determines whether or not the distal end position exists in a feature region; a storage section that stores information for presentation; and a candidate information presentation control section that presents the virtual endoscopic image based on the information in the storage section, to a display section as candidate information.

Abstract: Endoscope imaging apparatus, including an endoscope, which is configured to be inserted into a body cavity of a patient and an image sensor configured by means of the endoscope to form an image of the body cavity, and to transmit image signals in response to the image formed. The apparatus further includes an optical transmitter, physically connected to the endoscope, and configured to receive the image signals, to encode the image signals, and to transmit optical radiation comprising the encoded image signals. An optical receiver with a mounting fixture is configured for connection to a light boom, and is also configured to receive the optical radiation, to decode the optical radiation to recover the image signals, and to transmit the recovered image signals. A camera control unit is configured to receive the recovered image signals and in response to display the image on a screen.

Abstract: A probe is a probe insertable through a channel provided in an endoscope insertion portion. The probe is provided with a plurality of accommodation portions for accommodating a plurality of coil units having a predetermined length and a predetermined height, and a plurality of axial portions. Each accommodation portion includes a base portion having a length substantially equal to the predetermined length in a longitudinal direction of the probe, and two wall portions provided to stand upright at both ends of the base portion in the longitudinal direction at a height substantially equal to the predetermined height from the base portion, and the base portion and the wall portions are integrally formed. The plurality of axial portions extend from the wall portions in the longitudinal direction and connect between the plurality of accommodation portions.

Abstract: An endoluminal crawler used in endoscopic procedures includes a body and an actuation unit. The body includes a tubular portion. The actuation unit includes an actuator providing a rotational output and a traction belt. The traction belt includes a traction portion and an engaging portion. The traction portion protrudes out of a slot defined in the tubular portion and the engaging portion operatively engages the actuator.

Abstract: An endoscope apparatus includes an illuminating section capable of irradiating a subject with a light in a first wavelength band and light in a second wavelength band, an image processing section including a color filter configured by a plurality of filters, the image processing section generating, from two image pickup signals respectively generated in a first pixel and a second pixel that respectively receive light in a predetermined wavelength band and light in a wavelength band different from the predetermined wavelength band among return lights from the subject, first and second image signals, a control section that determines whether the two image pickup signals can be separated into the first and second image signals, and an illumination control section that performs irradiation in a time division manner or simultaneous irradiation according to a determination result whether the separation is possible or not.

Abstract: Systems and methods for removal of bacterial biofilm from a target site of a human patient includes a surgical instrument having an introducer for bodily insertion and maintaining an irrigation duct and a nozzle. A distal portion of the introducer is transitionable between a plurality of bend angles relative to a proximal portion thereof. In particular, the instrument is adapted to independently maintain the distal portion at each of the plurality of bend angles relative to the proximal portion. The nozzle is maintained relative to the distal portion of the introducer and is adapted to dispense pressurized irrigant from the irrigation duct toward a layer of bacterial biofilm.

Abstract: A medical imaging system provides simultaneous rendering of visible light and fluorescent images. The system may employ dyes in a small-molecule form that remain in a subject's blood stream for several minutes, allowing real-time imaging of the subject's circulatory system superimposed upon a conventional, visible light image of the subject. The system may provide an excitation light source to excite the fluorescent substance and a visible light source for general illumination within the same optical guide used to capture images. The system may be configured for use in open surgical procedures by providing an operating area that is closed to ambient light. The systems described herein provide two or more diagnostic imaging channels for capture of multiple, concurrent diagnostic images and may be used where a visible light image may be usefully supplemented by two or more images that are independently marked for functional interest.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for warming a medical scope to a temperature at or near body temperature in order to prevent fogging and remove debris. A system for warming medical scopes and a variety of other medical items is to be used in conjunction with a liquid warming device for heating sterile fluids. The anti-fogging apparatus is described with emphasis on the properties of said apparatus and its interaction with a liquid warming device with a removable basin. Also disclosed are various desirable aspects for an apparatus used to warm and clean medical scopes and other medical items before, during and after medical procedures.

Abstract: An otoscope provides an extremely narrow tip holding an electronic camera sized to allow the space of the ear canal to be shared between the otoscope and a tool such as a curette for removing foreign objects. The tip may be flexible for increased patient comfort when using a compact tip design.

Abstract: The claimed subject matter provides systems and/or methods that facilitate improving visualization associated with intubation. A dynamically articulating laryngoscope blade can be controlled to configure to normal anatomic variants and pathologic abnormalities to facilitate placing of an endotracheal tube into a patient's trachea. Further, cameras can be integrated into and/or mounted upon the dynamically articulating laryngoscope blade. The cameras can enable stereoscopic visualization of the laryngeal aperture allowing for depth perception. Moreover, the cameras can be moved independently of the blade allowing for optimal viewing of the laryngeal opening.

Abstract: A Glottiscope for assisting with the insertion of an endotracheal tube or an Eschman like stylet into a patient is claimed. The Glottiscope comprises a blade which defines an internal passage for receiving an endotracheal tube or an Eschman like stylet, the blade having a proximal end and a distal end and means for viewing the patient's glottis, wherein the viewing means is disposed at the distal end and in use, below the point of emergence of an endotracheal tube or a stylet/guide (to rail road the endotracheal tube) in the internal passage to provide a view of the patient's glottis, the blade being adapted to direct the viewing means towards the center of the patient's glottis.

Abstract: It is described a surgical instrument such as a speculum comprising longitudinally extending cups-shaped pivotably mounted blades manufactured from a moldable material, such as plastic or metal. Each blade has an inwardly curved circumferential edge with an edge face which is provided with a parting line resulting from molding the blades. Negative effects such as possible injuries associated with parting lines or steps can be mitigated by inwardly relocating these lines on an edge face of the inwardly curved circumferential edge.

Abstract: A device has a capacitive surface and a light source. A user of the device uses the capacitive surface to change the intensity of light emitted by the light source. To increase and decrease the intensity of the light emitted by the light source, the user touches the capacitive surface with one or more fingers.

Abstract: A diagnostic device detects a layer boundary which facilitates the determination of layer thicknesses in the human eye. The device has a light source with a beam path which is designed to guide at least one measuring beam of the light source from the object plane of the light source into an intersecting region of the measuring beam with an optical axis in the eye, and an actuator designed to move the intersecting region along the optical axis. The beam path guides the measuring beam from a layer boundary into the sensor unit. An evaluation unit is designed to estimate and/or determine a layer thickness between a first and a second layer boundary.

Abstract: An optical tomographic imaging apparatus includes a measurement light optical path length changing unit configured to change an optical path length of measurement light. In a case where any one of a plurality of imaging regions of an object (for example, a region of an anterior eye of a subject's eye and a region of a fundus of the subject's eye) is selected, the optical tomographic imaging apparatus can control the measurement light optical path length changing unit according to a size of an imaging range of a tomographic image corresponding to the selected imaging region.

Abstract: The virtual vision correction technique described herein pertains to a technique for determining a user's vision characteristics and/or adjusting a display to a user's vision characteristics. The virtual vision correction technique described herein provides vision correction for people with vision problems by making the video displayed adapt to the person's vision correction needs. In one embodiment of the technique, the user can state their vision prescription needs and the video displayed is processed to appear “20/20” to that person. Alternatively, the video display, for example, video display glasses, can “auto-tune” a representative image (such as an eye chart) to determine the appropriate video processing for that person.

Abstract: A tomographic image capturing apparatus includes a fixation lamp configured to guide a line of sight of a subject's eye, and a control unit configured to control a projection position of measuring light according to a predetermined position on a fundus of the subject's eye and a projection position of the fixation lamp.

Abstract: Example embodiments of a large dynamic range sequential wavefront sensor for vision correction or assessment procedures are disclosed. An example embodiment includes first and second optically coupled 4F relays and a variable focus lens disposed substantially at the image plane of the first 4F relay and the object plane of the second 4F relay.