Abstract: A fluid control drinking device is provided for reducing the backflow of fluid from a drinking straw into a larger container after a user has ceased drawing a vacuum on the outlet end. The device comprises a fluid conduit and a check valve. The conduit may be a standard drinking straw or similar structure. The check valve is a one-way hinge closure which acts as a sealing flap. Suction is applied by a drinking user, which results in the sealing flap rotating upwardly about its hinge. In this open position, liquid is allowed to flow through the conduit and past the sealing flap so that a user may drink from the straw outlet end. Cessation of suction causes the flap to return to a resting state, sealing off the fluid conduit and preventing fluid from returning to the container. In this way, the straw is continually filed with liquid, illuminating large pockets of air that the user ingests upon a subsequent suction.

Abstract: A soda straw box is installed in a dispenser by pushing the box full of straws into the dispenser receptacle. An opening member in the dispenser has a slot into which a corner of the box is pushed so that the corner panels fold together. One corner panel of the straw box is an anchor flap that folds as it is pushed into the opening slot. One or two other flaps are hinged either directly or indirectly to an edge of the anchor flap to assist in forming an opening in the box to allow the straws to fall down into the dispenser. The flaps of the box are all hinged for movement into the box during the opening process.

Abstract: A serving tray system includes a serving tray and a handle. A magnetic member and a release member are supported by the handle. The magnetic member is configured to selectively secure the handle to the serving tray. The release member is configured to selectively engage the serving tray to space the magnetic member from the serving tray for separating the handle from the serving tray.

Abstract: A combination of a top garment hanger and a reusable snap-on pad is provided. The hanger has a lateral opening formed through the body of the hanger. The lateral opening has an inwardly extending surface for providing a first locking surface. The reusable snap-on pad has a pair of legs and a locking tab provided on an inner surface of each leg. The locking tab has a second locking surface. When the reusable snap-on pad is mounted to the garment hanger, the locking tab enters the lateral opening and the first locking surface and the second locking surface engage each other, to provide a secure fixation of the reusable snap-on pad to the garment hanger. Also, when the reusable snap-on pad is mounted to the garment hanger, a slot is formed between the pad and the hanger for receiving a portion of a garment.

Abstract: Applicant conducted a brief telephonic interview with the Examiner on Apr. 29, 2016, and clarified that the abstract needs no amendment. Examiner agreed that the corrections requested on page 2 of the Office Action are not needed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a combination shoe horn and sock donning and doffing apparatus. The device includes an elongated rod that is composed of anodized aluminum so that it is lightweight and resistant to breaking. The rod includes a sock hook attached to a first end and a shoe horn attached to a second end. The sock hook is generally U-shaped and includes two terminal ends with a rubber tip. The shoe horn is oval shaped and has a curvature so as to follow substantially the contour of the back of a shoe. The rod also includes handle portions with a non-slip padding thereon. The device enables a user to don or remove footwear without bending over. In this way, the present invention is ideal for use by users who have limited mobility and cannot bend at the waist or the knees.

Abstract: An adapting device for adapting a capsule into the capsule holder of a food machine when the capsule or pod is smaller than capsules or pods originally designed for insertion into the capsule holder is provided. The machine includes a fluid injection element for circulating a fluid through the capsule to a discharge opening, the capsule including a body enclosing a food ingredient to be dissolved and/or extracted so as to produce a food product, and further including circumferential edges. The device includes a holding portion for holding at least a portion of the capsule, and a sealer for circumferentially adapting to the capsule holder and/or to the fluid injection element, and/or to the capsule outside surface, in a leak-tight manner so that the fluid flow is directed solely from the fluid injection element through the capsule, to a discharge opening.

Abstract: A delivery head for a beverage preparation machine comprising: an upwardly directed inlet for supplying water to a cartridge received in the delivery head; a downwardly directed outlet for outflow of beverage; a barcode reader having a barcode reader window through which signals may be transmitted; wherein the inlet, the outlet and the barcode reader window are arranged in a line with the outlet being intermediate the inlet and the barcode reader window.

Abstract: The present disclosure includes a milk heating system, methods, and apparatus for combining milk, which is heated, ambient, or chilled, selectively with or without being infused with air, and selectively dispensed with or without flavorings. The apparatus and method disclosed includes structures for selectively combining milk with air and flavorings to dispense a selected combination of ingredients. The assembly includes a dispensing head assembly having a flavoring dispensing component and a milk dispensing component. The flavoring dispensing component can be coupled to the milk dispensing component for combining ingredients and dispensing into a container. The milk dispensing component includes a single path for the introduction of a flow of milk and a single path for the introduction of steam. The milk path and steam path are oriented to be fed into an intermediate passage which communicates with a swirl cavity defined by the mixing chamber.

Abstract: A hot drinks machine is provided that is configured to perform a cleaning program and a descaling program, both of which require the use of a service function object. The hot drinks machine is formed with a holder for the service function object.

Abstract: A waffle maker has upper and lower baking plates each of which is powered with at lease one heating element for baking waffle. A power control unit responds to a temperature sensing unit to control power applied to the heaters and to maintain the heating plates both before and after each baking cycle at a manually pre-selected temperature. A manually adjustable timer controls the duration of the baking cycle.

Abstract: An anti-oxidation frying device includes a frying vessel having an electrically conductive body configured to heat cooking oil carried therein by a heating unit. A removable basket, also formed of electrically conductive material, is configured to be carried within the frying vessel to enable the cooking of food in the heated oil. A rectification circuit is coupled to the heating unit, the body of the frying vessel, and the basket. During operation the rectification circuit converts AC power from an external power source into a rippled, rectified AC current signal that is supplied to the heating unit, body of the frying vessel, and the basket, so as to create a reducing environment of available electrons for absorption by the cooking oil and food as it is prepared, thus extending the life of the cooking oil.

Abstract: A blender that is compact enough for home use, rugged enough to blend frozen beverages, simple to use and safe. The blender includes an upper housing, with a front housing door; that covers the moving blending machinery. The blender also includes a cupholder receiving area which allows the user to safely insert a frozen beverage cup inside a cupholder for blending. After the start button is pressed, a cupholder lip will be grasped by the clamping jaw of an elevator assembly to lift the cupholder. As the cupholder is lifted upward, a cover will be pressed over the top opening of the inserted cup to prevent spillage during blending. The elevator assembly will then continue to lift the cupholder upward until the rotating cutter blades of a spindle assembly cut through successive layers of the frozen beverage.

Abstract: A feed tube assembly for a food processor is provided. The feed tube assembly includes a first member having a channel therethrough configured to be slidably received in a feed tube of a food processor, and a second member slidably received in the channel of the first member. The first member also includes a flat spring that extends into the channel to secure food items within the channel.

Abstract: A food processor is provided with a wide feed tube. The food processor has a pusher that cooperates with a safety mechanism. The safety mechanism comprises a linkage assembly that prevents the food processor's motor from operating unless the pusher is inserted into the feed tube.

Abstract: A compact food container organizer by which variously sized food containers and their variously sized lids are stored and sorted in a neat and orderly manner. The organizer has stacks of pedestals lying side-by-side one another and attached to a flat support base. Each stack has one or more preferably disk-shaped pedestals lying one above the other over the base. The diameters of the successive ones of disk-shaped pedestals vary so that different food containers having different sizes can first be inverted and then positioned over the top of and around the correspondingly sized pedestals. A plurality of lid baskets having different sizes are attached to the support base to accommodate therewithin the variously sized lids that cover the food containers.

Abstract: An over sink work station comprising a frame and two or more inserts, the frame having two or more openings with each opening adapted to removably receive an insert and at least a first insert comprising a container.

Abstract: A bathtub is provided of the walk-in type, wherein the bathtub includes an at least one internal dam element that allows a user to segment the bathtub into a two or more compartments and operably utilize the bathtub as a sit-down tub or as a standing shower. An entry door provides access into the bathtub without requiring users to lift their legs during entry, while the dam elements allow the user to fill the sectioned compartments of the tub and prepare it for use before entering the bathtub interior. Certain compartments may remain empty as the other compartments fill with water, whereafter the user can enter the empty the empty compartment and remove a dam element after closing the entry door. The bathtub further may also comprise a first and second drain for independently draining the compartments.

Abstract: A molded bathtub and mounting assembly is provided that includes a molded bathtub having a basin, a rim attached to and extending at least partially around an upper end of the basin, and an apron attached to the rim and extending downwardly therefrom; and a mounting assembly including a mounting member and a mounting clip, and a gap located between a portion of the mounting clip and the mounting member, the gap configured to receive a lower end of the apron. Multiple bathtubs may be stacked together in an inverted position with an upper bathtub receiving the basin of a lower bathtub in a cavity of the upper bathtub defined by the basin therein.

Abstract: A cleaning system according to the invention includes a scanning unit for determining body dimensions, for example, the girth measurements such as height and breadth of the person to be cleaned, at least two moldings having a body-size opening, wherein the opening corresponds to a pose, that is, a body position of the person to be cleaned, a conveying unit that conveys the person to be cleaned through the moldings, wherein at least one of the moldings contains adjustable spray nozzles, the spacing of which from the person to be cleaned is adjusted corresponding to the body dimensions of the person to be cleaned determined by the scanning unit.

Abstract: A dispensing unit and a dispenser are provided. The dispensing unit is adapted for use with continuous web material. The dispensing unit comprises a first roller arranged to rotate about a first axis and a second roller arranged to rotate about a second axis. A web path is provided through the dispensing unit and a portion of the web path includes a web passage defined between the first roller and the second roller. The first roller is displaceable between at least a first position and a second position, wherein a first distance is defined between the first roller and the second roller when the first roller is arranged in the first position, and a second distance is defined between the first roller and the second roller when the first roller is arranged in the second position.

Abstract: An embodiment of a device that includes a receptacle for urine collection, a flexible tube connecting the receptacle to a storage reservoir that sits on the floor and a receptacle holder that is stabilized by inserting it partially under the mattress, with a protruding section that has an opening used to store the receptacle in an easy to reach location between uses.

Abstract: A toilet seat lifter is mounted together with a toilet seat on a toilet bowl. The design of the lifter enables the lifting and lowering of a toilet cover and/or toilet seat by means of a lifter controlling device or in the traditional manner. During the lifting of the toilet seat, the gear of the device assists the lifting of its components while, in the case of lowering them, the gear prevents their inert from falling. The design of the lifter enables the positioning of the toilet seat in a lifted position, preventing their resting against the wall or toilet cistern. In case of improper use, consisting in the lifting of the toilet seat components by means of a controlling device and simultaneously lowering them in the traditional manner (or inversely), the disconnection of the gear will result, precluding its damage.

Abstract: A glass-wiping robot having an air-venting device (5), comprising a machine body (1). The machine body (1) has arranged thereon a suction cup device (2). The suction cup device (2) is connected to a vacuum air pump (4) via an airway pipe (3). The glass-wiping robot is adsorbed on a surface of a glass via the suction cup device (2). The suction cup device (2) is also connected to an air-venting device (5). The air-venting device (5) is provided with opened and closed positions. When the air-venting device (5) is at the opened position, the suction cup device (2) is in communication with the atmosphere via the air-venting device (5).

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner provides a jet of high velocity air into debris resting along a floor edge. The jet of air is aimed down and to the side of the vacuum cleaner vacuum head. The jet of air dislodges the debris urging the debris into the path of the vacuum head. The jet of air is conveniently created from the vacuum cleaner exhaust, and a left or right jet may be manually selected, or automatically selected by a wall detection sensor.

Abstract: An upright surface cleaning apparatus comprises a support structure moveably connected to a surface cleaning head and having an air treatment member mounted to the upright section. The support structure is bendable and is operated by a remote actuator.

Abstract: A machine for treating a surface lying in an XY-plane comprising a body, a body plate attached to the body, a drive assembly attached to the body and a cleaning plate assembly. The drive assembly includes a motor having a motor and a transmission driven by the motor. The cleaning plate assembly includes a cleaning plate connected to the transmission to be driven in an oscillating pattern parallel to the XY-plane and relative to the body plate. The cleaning plate assembly includes a cleaning head detachably fastened to the cleaning plate. The cleaning head includes one of a hook or loop surface and the cleaning plate includes the other one of a hook or loop surface whereby the cleaning head is detachably fastened to the cleaning plate by loop and hook fastening.

Abstract: A device comprising an absorbent structure and one or more resilient contact elements integrated into the absorbent structure is disclosed. The absorbent structure is preferably a sponge or foam structure and the resilient contact elements are squeegees, nodules, or combinations thereof. In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, the resilient contact elements include anchor features that are embedded within the absorbent stricture.

Abstract: Method of wringing of the sponge mop pad provided on mops comprising a soleplate whereon is applied such a pad, and fixed to the distal end of a shaft, characterized in that the cleaning and the wringing of the mop pad are obtained simultaneously by placing the unit comprised of said soleplate and said mop pad in a position parallel to the axis of the shaft and by moving a slide comprising a cleaning and wringing wiper along said ensemble, said slide exerting, during its movements, a wiping action on the lower surface of the soleplate and a wringing pressure on said surface of the mop pad. The invention also relates to a washing combination allowing for the implementation of this method.

Abstract: A foldable duster can be folded to enable selective use of a single-sided or double-sided pile as well as a change in length of the duster. The duster includes a stationary member whose two ends form a pivotally connecting portion and a fastening portion respectively. The fastening portion is configured for connecting with a handle. The pivotally connecting portion is pivotally connected with a folding member. A dusting sleeve coated with pile threads is mounted around the stationary member and the folding member. The folding member can be swung to a position where the folding member and the stationary member form a straight line, thereby straightening the dusting sleeve and extending the duster to its full length. When the folding member is swung to overlap the stationary member, the dusting sleeve becomes folded, and the duster is shortened. Thus, the foldable duster provides convenience of use.

Abstract: To provide a cleaning tool which, upon attachment of a cleaning body to a cleaning-body holder, feels good to use. The present invention relates to a cleaning tool comprising a holding tool for holding a cleaning sheet. In the present invention, a first extremity virtual line and a second extremity virtual line are formed. The first extremity virtual line is the shortest line linking a center line in the length direction and a first extremity of a holding part. The second extremity virtual line is the shortest line linking the center line in the length direction and a second extremity of a protruded part. The first extremity virtual line is formed so as to be longer than the second extremity virtual line.

Abstract: A hollow dust pan has a bottom wall, two opposed upstanding side walls, an upstanding rear wall, a top wall, an open front, and a movable lid cover over said open front. A handle is attached to the top wall adjacent the open front to extend rearwardly adjacent to and spaced apart from the top wall. A lid cover has a hinge member rotatably attached to the handle to position a peripheral edge of the lid cover at a front peripheral edge of the open front. A lever with a pivot pin is rotatably attached to the handle and the lever has a lever arm member rotatably engaged at a lower end with the hinge member. A strip spring is attached at a lever handle member of the lever to urge the hinge member to position the lid cover in a closed position.

Abstract: A personal dishwasher washes and dries a dish that is manually or mechanically moved through a dishwasher chamber or is manually placed in and manually removed from the chamber. Pressurized water, possibly containing soap, wetting agent, etc., may be added to the wash water. Steam may be used to for cleaning and/or disinfecting. Ultraviolet light may be used for disinfecting. The dishwasher chamber may be enlarged to pass larger dishes, bowls, glassware, etc. for washing. A method of washing dishes, comprising inserting a dish manually into a dishwasher, passing the dish through the dishwasher, and withdrawing the dish. A method of washing a dish, comprising inserting a single dish into a dishwasher, directing fluid under pressure at the dish, directing air flow at the dish, and withdrawing the dish.

Abstract: A dishwasher includes a tub at least partially defining a treating chamber and a spraying system for supplying liquid to the treating chamber. The spraying system includes a sprayer having a body with an interior, a liquid passage provided in the interior, and a plurality of outlets extending through the body and in fluid communication with the liquid passage.

Abstract: A dishwasher includes a compartment in the form of a drawer or pull-out treating chamber slidably mounted in a chassis is provided with one or more liquid supply and draining conduits for supplying and draining liquid to and from the treating chamber.

Abstract: A network system is provided. The network system includes an utility area network including an energy generation component, a home area network including an energy consumption component consuming energy generated in the energy generation component to perform a function according to an operation course, an energy metering component disposed in the utility area network or the home area network, the energy metering component recognizing energy information or additional information except for the energy information, and an energy management component disposed in the utility area network or the home area network, the energy management component managing the energy information or the additional information with respect to the energy consumption component.

Abstract: A port assembly for use with a refillable storage container of a cleaning device includes a cap assembly having a sensor aperture and an outlet aperture. The cap assembly is configured to couple to a lip of the storage container. A sensor assembly extends through the sensor aperture and is coupled to the cap assembly, and an outlet assembly extends through the outlet aperture and is coupled to the cap assembly. The outlet assembly is coupled in fluid communication with a cleaning cavity of the cleaning device and the storage container.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods are disclosed for the cleaning of an endotracheal tube while a patient is being supported by a ventilator connected to the endotracheal tube for the purpose of increasing the available space for airflow or to prevent the build up of materials that may constrict airflow or be a potential nidus for infection. In one embodiment, a mechanically-actuated endotracheal tube cleaning device is configured to removably receive a visualization member to provide cleaning of the endotracheal tube under direct visualization.

Abstract: A method for imaging, including capturing an initial image of a surface under investigation using a first endoscope, and delineating within the initial image a target region of interest surrounded by an initial image peripheral region, the target region of interest having a location defined with respect to the initial image peripheral region. The method includes capturing a subsequent image of the surface under investigation using a second endoscope and identifying in the subsequent image, by comparison with characteristics of the initial image peripheral region, a subsequent image peripheral region corresponding to the initial image peripheral region. The further includes computing the location of the target region of interest in the subsequent image in response to the identified subsequent image peripheral region.

Abstract: An applicator suitable for converting a white-light endoscope into an endoscope for combined white-light/fluorescence imaging is disclosed. The applicator facilitates attachment of an optical element, for example an optical filter, to a distal optical port of an endoscope. The applicator engages with alignment feature on the endoscope's distal end and releasably supports the optical element in an opening that is aligned with the optical port. The optical element is released in a proximal direction by pressing down on an actuator.

Abstract: An endoscope overtube includes a flexible tubular member and a hub assembly provided at the proximal end of the tubular member. The hub assembly includes an elastic sleeve seal cuff extending about the inner surface of a body member of the hub. The ends of seal cuff are coupled to the body member. An inflation line extends into the body member in communication with the outer surface of the seal cuff. When fluid is pressurized through the inflation line, the cuff is distended inward to reduce the size of the opening through the port such that the cuff forms a seal about an endoscope received through the hub. The body member is preferably coupled to each of the flexible tubular member and to the elastic seal cuff using a snap-fit engagement of parts such that no fasteners, welds, glues, etc. are necessary for securing the hub assembly together.

Abstract: A steerable multi-linked device. The device includes a first multi-linked mechanism and a second multi-linked mechanism. The first mechanism defines a first plurality of grooves. The second mechanism defines a second plurality of grooves. The first and second pluralities of grooves cooperate to define at least two working ports along a length of the device. At least one of the first and second mechanisms are steerable.

Abstract: A surgical light that uses multiple LEDs to produce superior illumination. Heat sinks are used to help dissipate heat produced from the LEDs. The light from the LEDs is directed, using collimizers, into fiber optic cables. The fiber light from the optic cables, using an LED combiner, is then combined and focused on a working area. The LED combiner may include an adjustable lens so that the device's illumination may be focused at multiple focal distances and with varied areas of illumination. The LEDs may be powered by a battery and may comprise one or more red LEDs, one or more blue LEDs, and one or more green LEDs. The surgical light may be used configured for use with headlamps, surgical scopes and the like.

Abstract: A tongue depressor for illuminating an oral cavity, the tongue depressor including a handle which includes a light source and a switch for connecting a power supply to the light source. The tongue depressor also includes a blade for depressing the tongue, the blade being removably coupled to the handle, and wherein coupling the blade to the handle actuates the switch so that light emitted from the light source is transmitted by the blade into the oral cavity.

Abstract: An endoscopic device including a control circuit that is detachably connectable to a handle, where the control circuit functions and is compatible with a wide variety of displays. The handle of the endoscopic device is provided with a connector to transmit image data from a distal end to the detachable control circuit. The control circuit may be provided with a keyed outer surface to guide and maintain the control circuit in an engaged position relative to the handle and connector.

Abstract: The present invention is generally directed toward a laryngoscope having a handle, a rigid cylindrical tube, and an optical subassembly. The handle has a distal end and a proximate end. The tube is hollow and also has a distal end having a distal opening and a proximate end having a proximate opening. The optical subassembly includes a light source located within the handle, a power source located within the handle and in communication with the light source and a light carrier extending between the handle and the tube and in communication with the light source and providing light inside and along the entire length of the tube.

Abstract: A three-blade spinal retractor utilizes adjustable and lockable translating arms with angulating blades to provide triangulated medial/lateral and cephalad/caudal tissue retraction for spinal surgeries via the adjustably lockable translating arms. A medial/lateral translating arm with an angularly adjustable retraction blade co-acts and cooperates with angularly adjacent first and second cephalad/caudal translating arms with angularly adjustable retraction blades for tissue retraction and surgical site access. A plate having a medial/lateral adjustment system adjustably holds the medial/lateral translating arm, a first cephalad/caudal adjustment system adjustably holding the first cephalad/caudal translating arm and a second cephalad/caudal adjustment system adjustably holding the second cephalad/caudal translating arm. The translating arms each have a blade holder that provides angular adjustment of the blade.

Abstract: Provided is a light intensity control apparatus including: a photometry value calculation portion for measuring reflected light from a fundus under illumination of an observation light source; an observation light source control portion for controlling a light intensity of the observation light source based on photometry information obtained by the photometry value calculation portion, the light intensity of the observation light source obtained in the measurement, and a correction value of the light intensity of the observation light source; and a photographing light source control portion for controlling a light intensity of a light source of a photographing light source based on the photometry information obtained by the photometry value calculation portion, the light intensity of the observation light source obtained in the measurement, and a correction value of the light intensity of the photographing light source.

Abstract: An ophthalmic surgical system can include a light source configured to generate a light beam and a filter wheel disposed between the light source and an intraocular illumination device. The filter wheel can include an unfiltered area, a first filtered area, and a second filtered area. The first and second filtered areas can limit transmission of certain wavelengths of the light beam to the intraocular illumination device. The system can include an actuator configured to selectively move the filter wheel to cause the light beam to pass through the unfiltered area, the first filtered area, and/or the second filtered area. The system can include a computing device configured to provide a control signal to the actuator. The computing device can be configured to provide a control signal to the actuator based on a beam location, a beam composition, an exposure time, and/or a limited visibility condition.

Abstract: An ophthalmic photographing apparatus or method receives light returned from an eye to be examined, calculates a plurality of temporally continuous photometric values based on a light receiving result in the receiving, and determines whether or not the eye is to be photographed, based on the plurality of calculated photometric values.