Abstract: A method of brewing a coffee beverage by combining a dose of granulated coffee and water and maintaining the granulated coffee in the water for a brew time. The volume of water employed in practicing the method is a function of the dose of granulated coffee and the brew time is a function of the percent extraction of coffee from the dose of granulated coffee and a function of the percent of total dissolved solids derived from the dose of granulated coffee.

Abstract: A beverage preparation machine of the type which uses pre-packaged containers of beverage ingredients is described. The beverage preparation machine is configured for controlling the volume of air resident in at least a part of a delivery system of the machine to produce predetermined characteristics in a prepared beverage.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an infusion machine comprising a boiler having first heating means provided for heating a liquid suitable for infusion preparation, in particular for espresso coffee preparation, at least one supplying group (14), and infusion means (43, 43b) provided for infusion preparation and associated with second heating means (46). The supplying group (14) in the machine further comprises an accumulation chamber (41) hydraulically connected to the infusion means (43, 43b) and arranged to contain a certain amount of liquid. Second heating means (46) are provided, which are arranged to directly heat the liquid contained in the accumulation chamber (41) for hydraulically feeding the infusion means (43). The invention also relates to the supplying group and the method of manufacturing the machine.

Abstract: An automated temperature control system for a barbecue grill or other structure comprises an automated damper assembly coupled to a vent of said grill, which damper assembly opens and closes selectively to adjust the flow passage area of the grill's vent. The system further comprises an operating area temperature probe for communicating the temperature of the operating area of the grill to the automated damper assembly, such that the automated damper assembly may maintain a user-specified target operating temperature by way of affecting combustion rates within the grill. A remote control may also be provided to allow the user to input a desired temperature for the system to obtain and/or to change temperature information for the grill or other structure.

Abstract: A multi-part cooking grate with a lower sub-grate with a first plurality of V-shaped cooking members running along a length of the lower sub-grate and having a first predetermined spacing between the first plurality cooking members along a width of the lower sub-grate, and an upper sub-grate with a second plurality of V-shaped cooking members running along a length of the lower sub-grate and having a second predetermined spacing between the second plurality of cooking members along a width of the upper sub-grate.

Abstract: A grill rod scraping tool for cleaning the top, sides and bottom side of grill rods. The tool comprises of a neck with concave contours and a U-shaped end that enable the prongs and scraper of the tool to scrape the top, sides, and bottom side of the grid iron rods. The concave contours of the neck also allow both left and right handed individuals to operate and rotate the tool with ease. The prongs are angled away from the neck to enable the tool to be used while the grid iron rods are still hot. The grill tool is applied to the grill rod and pushed and pulled along the length of the grill rod to clean residue from food and hardened char.

Abstract: An apparatus for grinding coffee. The apparatus including: a grinder mechanism; a ground discharge region; a user control for enabling a user to select grind preferences; a display element for displaying data indicative of user inputs to the user control; a processor element coupled to the user control and a display element for controlling operation of the grinder mechanism. The apparatus being adapted to provides fine control over grind size and dispense discreet doses according to a users preference and control inputs; and display depictions representing a range of coffee grinder functions.

Abstract: A food processor includes a base and a bowl with a removable lid. Food items are advanced into the bowl through a feed tube formed in the lid where they are cut by a cutting assembly driven by a motor. The lid includes a user-operated button operable to control the motor.

Abstract: An agitator is for use in a shaker. The agitator comprises a tetrahedral body having four planar faces, four vertices, and six edges, each edge traveling between each of the vertices. Each vertex is rounded off and configured to forcibly contact the container wall and an entirety of the bottom upon shaking the vessel. These rounded vertices create a propeller-like spinning and tumbling motion through the liquid-powder mixture when the vessel is vigorously shaken up and down, and scalloped edges of the agitator produce additional turbulence to efficiently blend a liquid/powder mixture.

Abstract: The present invention provides an undermount cabinet storage system adapted for receipt of at least one common kitchen items, said undermount cabinet storage system including a mounting bracket in pivotable receipt of a vertical support structure movable between a horizontal position and a vertical position with a pair of rotatable arms associated with a distal end of the vertical support member and adapted for receipt of the kitchen item.

Abstract: A magnetic drain stopper for use in a basin drain. A stopper is disposed for reciprocation in the drain pipe and includes a stopper magnet. A curvilinear actuator outside the drain pipe supports one or more driver magnets for movement in a non-linear path toward and away from the stopper magnet. When moved toward the stopper magnet, the driver magnets induce the stopper to lift away from a sealed condition so that water can exit the basin. The curvilinear actuator may include a generally cylindrical base captured in a sleeve-like hinge bracket. A control rod is coupled to a push rod that receives manual input from a user. A pair of flanking legs may be attached to the ends of the base, with each leg carrying a driver magnet half. The curvilinear actuator may include an optional draw-down magnet to hold the stopper in its sealed condition.

Abstract: Embodiments according to at least some aspects of the present disclosure comprise methods, apparatus, devices, and/or systems pertaining to bathtub monitors that may be configured to sense motion and/or absence of motion, such as motion associated with an occupant of a bathtub. Some example embodiments may be configured to provide local and/or remote alarm(s) upon detection of a potentially unsafe condition, such as an absence of motion of the occupant of a bathtub. In some example embodiments, a bathtub alarm system may comprise a pressure sensor, such as a piezo sensor, to sense movement (or lack of movement) in the tub by sensing pressure waves (or lack of pressure waves) within the tub.

Abstract: A hammock tub assembly serves as both a hammock for leisure swinging, sleeping, or resting; and a tub for soaking, hydrotherapy, and pleasure. A suspended non-permeable panel conforms to the shape and weight of the loads. The non-permeable panel is defined by a body portion and a perimeter portion. The body portion supports the solid and liquid loads, conforming to the shapes and weight of each load. The perimeter portion includes fastening points that maintain a fixed position for the body portion for enabling the stretching of the body portion into a generally concave shape. When stretched between the fixed points, the body portion forms a generally concave shape that cradles the solid load and contains the liquid load. The liquid is circulated through a filtering portion. A lighting portion, a sound portion, and a data portion enhance the therapeutic effects.

Abstract: A dispensing system is disclosed. The system includes a pump having a pump mechanism, an outlet, and an internal conduit for pumping a material through the conduit and out of the outlet. The pump also has a body portion. The system further includes a mounting mechanism having a base member sized to extend into and through an opening in a surface, the base member being configured to securely engage the surface. The body portion of the pump includes a first structure composed of a material susceptible to magnetic forces, and the mounting mechanism includes a second structure composed of a material susceptible to magnetic forces, the first and second structures adapted to act on each other through a magnetic force, such that the body portion of the pump is removably securable to the mounting mechanism through a magnetic connection. Methods of use are also disclosed.

Abstract: A foam dispensing mechanism (100; 600) comprises: a top (113); a cylindrical wall (112; 612) extending from a peripheral edge of the top; a piston member (170) arranged within the cylindrical wall; a dispense head (120) axially displaceable with respect to the top; a resilient bias member (130) for biasing the dispense head. The piston member has a first opening (176) and a coupling cylinder (178) arranged coaxially around said first opening. The dispense head has a cylindrical seal member (150) positionally fixed with respect to the dispense head (120), the seal member (150) having a first passage opening (156) with a valve seat (151), wherein the seal member's lower portion (157) is sealingly and axially slidably coupled to the coupling cylinder. An axially displaceable valve member (190) for blocking or releasing said first passage opening has a valve stem (192) having its end (193) coupled to the piston member.

Abstract: A novel sheet material dispenser package includes a first sidewall, a second sidewall, a collapsible top wall, a collapsible bottom wall, a first hinge feature, and a second hinge feature. A first side region of the first sidewall is coupled to a first region of the second sidewall via the first hinge feature and a second side region of the first sidewall is coupled to a second side region of the second sidewall via the second hinge feature. The top wall includes a first region coupled to the first sidewall and a second region coupled to the second sidewall. The bottom wall includes a first region coupled to the first sidewall and a second region coupled to the second sidewall. In a particular embodiment, the sheet material dispenser is a collapsible tissue dispenser adapted to sit in a cup holder when in a non-collapsed state and in a pocket when in a collapsed state.

Abstract: By using an automated money dispenser, a patron can “shoot” currency in the direction of a performer from any reasonable distance and can control the rate of dispensing as well as the total amount dispensed. In some embodiments, the dispenser can emit sounds, light or other special effects to further enhance the experience for the dispensing patron, for other patrons, as well as for the performer. The present invention allows for a unique experience both for the user and for the entertainer, allowing for role-play and other types of entertainment not available in the prior art.

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 surface cleaning apparatus is disclosed having an upper portion moveably mounted to a surface cleaning head between a storage position and a floor cleaning position, an above floor cleaning wand removably receivable in the upper portion, a flexible air flow conduit, a lower mounting member provided on an outer surface of the upper portion, an upper mounting member provided on at least one of the outer surface of the upper portion and the wand, and a portable surface cleaning unit comprising a suction motor and an air treatment member removably mounted to the upper portion.

Abstract: An autonomous surface treating appliance comprising a main body defining an outer plan profile, and having a drive arrangement mounted inboard of the outer plan profile of the main body and configured to propel the appliance in a direction of movement across a surface to be cleaned, a surface treating assembly associated with the main body and carried transversely to the direction of movement, the surface treating assembly being generally elongate in form and having side edges extending substantially at a tangent to respective circular portions of the outer plan profile of the main body.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner comprises a removable dust separator. The dust separator has an inlet duct and an outlet duct. The inlet duct is arranged for fluid connection to a dirt-air duct on the cleaner, and the outlet duct is arranged for fluid connection to a motor intake duct on the cleaner. In accordance with the invention, the inlet duct and outlet duct share a common wall which divides the open ends of the ducts, an inlet duct sealing member is provided for forming an air-seal between the inlet duct and the dirty-air duct, and an outlet duct sealing member is provided for forming an air seal between the outlet duct and the motor intake duct. Both seals are thus required to fail in order to short-circuit the two dirty-air duct and the motor intake duct, despite there being a common wall section between the inlet duct and the outlet ducts.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner has a removable cyclonic separator that includes a cyclone chamber; a dirt-collection chamber, open at one end; and an outlet duct from the cyclone chamber. An open end of the outlet duct is arranged for connection to a motor intake duct on the cleaner, the outlet duct and dirt collection chamber sharing a common wall section which divides the open end of the outlet duct from the open end of the dirt collection chamber. A cover closes off the open end of the dirt collection chamber and can be opened to allow access to the dirt collection chamber for emptying. When the cover is in the closed position, a cover sealing member forms an air seal between the cover and the common wall section. When the outlet duct is connected to the motor inlet duct, an outlet duct sealing member forms an air seal between the ducts.

Abstract: A surface cleaning apparatus, wherein the pre-motor filter dirt chamber is openable.

Abstract: A mobile floor cleaning robot includes a body defining a forward drive direction, a drive system, a cleaning system, and a controller. The cleaning system includes a pad holder, a reservoir, a sprayer, and a cleaning system. The pad holder has a bottom surface for receiving a cleaning pad. The reservoir holds a volume of fluid, and the sprayer sprays the fluid forward the pad holder. The controller is in communication with the drive and cleaning systems. The controller executes a cleaning routine that includes driving in the forward direction a first distance to a first location, then driving in a reverse drive direction a second distance to a second location. From the second location, the robot sprays fluid in the forward drive direction but rearward the first location. The robot then drives in alternating forward and reverse drive directions while smearing the cleaning pad along the floor surface.

Abstract: An extraction cleaner for a floor surface comprises a fluid delivery system for storing cleaning fluid and delivering the cleaning fluid to the surface to be cleaned and a fluid recovery system for removing the spent cleaning fluid and dirt from the surface to be cleaned and storing the spent cleaning fluid and dirt. The fluid delivery system includes at least one fluid distributor and the fluid recovery system includes an extraction nozzle. The extraction nozzle and the at least one fluid distributor can be simultaneously removed from the extraction cleaner.

Abstract: A sprayer assembly that includes a reservoir for storing liquid, a pump in fluid communication with the reservoir, first and second supply tubes in fluid communication with the pump wherein the pump is configured to draw liquid from the reservoir and discharge the liquid into the first and second supply tubes, a first nozzle in fluid communication with the first supply tube, a second nozzle in fluid communication with the second supply tube, and a collar having at least one protrusion and rotatable between a first position in which the at least one protrusion pinches closed the first supply tube but not the second supply tube, and a second position in which the at least one protrusion pinches closed the second supply tube but not the first supply tube.

Abstract: A mop comprising a mop head (1) that has at least one cleaning strip (2) is disclosed. The cleaning strip (2) comprises at least one cleaning surface (5) on which raised cleaning islands (6) made of flock fibers are arranged. The cleaning strip (2) is attached to the mop head (1) at one of its ends (3) and has a free end (4). The raised cleaning islands (6) on the at least one cleaning surface (5) of the cleaning strip (2) are arranged at certain distances (7) from each other and are surrounded on all sides by storage spaces (8) for holding dirt. The size of the storage spaces (8) steadily decreases from the end (3) of the cleaning surface (5) facing the mop head (1) in the mopping direction (9) of the free end (4).

Abstract: A fluid pump volute offshoot system for debris diversion and collection, a solids collection system, and related methods, for a pot and pan, or other, similar, washing machine is provided.

Abstract: The present subject matter provides a spray assembly for a dishwasher appliance. The spray assembly includes a spray arm, a bearing, and a bracket for mounting the spray assembly to a dishwasher appliance. The spray arm is mounted for rotation relative to the bearing, and the bearing is mounted to the bracket. The spray assembly includes features for rotating the bearing relative to the bracket with the spray arm. Such rotation can assist with mounting of the bearing to the bracket.

Abstract: A dishwasher insulation blanket includes a sound absorbing layer, a sound reflecting layer; and a heat activated adhesive layer on a first side of the sound reflecting layer. The heat activated adhesive layer is configured to be activated by heat that emanates from a dishwasher during normal operation of the dishwasher.

Abstract: A stationary household appliance having a housing wall, components, and a force transmitting element to transmit a force that acts upon the housing wall from the outside of the stationary household appliance into the components. The force transmitting element has at least two force application regions to transmit the force into at least two different ones of the components.

Abstract: A sink dish drainer set having a mat and a rack which may be coupled such that the rack sits on the mat in a particular location, the rack including at least one plate support area that sits above channels within at least one raised rib on the mat.

Abstract: A collapsible dish drainer is formed using a resilient material allowing the dish drainer to collapse to a smaller size for storage. The dish drainer may be formed with one or more feet to raise the dish drainer above a countertop or other surface. A bottom or base of the dish drainer is configured to direct water toward a drain, with a pivotally mounted spout. An upper shelf is attached for lateral movement between an extended and retracted position.

Abstract: A system (100) is provided for imaging a patient's interior. The system comprises an imaging sensor (120) for acquiring a series of images of a region of interest (020) in the patient's interior, and a plurality of light sources (140) for illuminating the region of interest in the patient's interior from different light source directions (152-156). A light controller (160) is provided for controlling individual ones (142-146) of the plurality of light sources (140) to dynamically vary the light source directions (152-156) during said acquiring. Moreover, a processor (180) is provided for obtaining lighting data (164) indicative of the dynamically varying light source directions. The processor (180) is further arranged for using the lighting data to apply a photometric stereo technique to the image data so as to establish a three-dimensional [3D] surface profile of the region of interest.

Abstract: A system for accessing a patient's body may include an elongate member having a proximal end, a distal end, and two lumens. The elongate member may include two lumens and a thickness of material extending between external and internal surfaces of the elongate member. The system may also include a first illumination device associated with a first of the two lumens such that a portion of the first illumination device may extend into the thickness of material. A second illumination device may be associated with the second of the two lumens such that a portion of the second illumination device may extend into the thickness of material. Further, the system may include an imaging device having a first portion extending into the thickness of material, a second portion protruding into the first of the two lumens, and a third portion protruding into the second of the two lumens.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include a medical device for accessing a patient's body portion and used for diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions. Embodiments of the invention may include a particular endoscopic positioning mechanism for placing an endoscope and an additional treatment device within desired body portions in order to assist in diagnosis and treatment of anatomical diseases and disorders. In particular, a medical device according to an embodiment of the invention includes a positioning mechanism configured for movement through at least two degrees of freedom.

Abstract: The present optical system comprises a forward observation optical system, an entire lateral circumference-observation optical system, a variable stop arranged on the image side of the observation optical system, an image-forming optical system, and an image pickup element, and the variable stop is formed so as to be capable of switching an observation field of view at least to a first observation field of view including only a forward field of view and to a second observation field of view including a forward field of view with a narrower angle than that of the first observation field of view and a field of view of the entire lateral circumference. The observation optical system is arranged on the object side of the opening in the central position of the observation optical system.

Abstract: An endoscope pipe with a central, elongated observation window on the distal end, whereby several light outlet openings for fiberoptic end surfaces are positioned close to the observation window for illuminating the angle area observed through the observation window and the light outlet openings are positioned asymmetrically in relation to the longitudinal extension of the observation window and/or the fiberoptic end surfaces are held in the light outlet openings in such a way that light is beamed from the fiberoptic end surfaces into the angle area in various directions.

Abstract: An endoscope assembly including an endoscope, a selectably inflatable balloon mounted onto a distal portion of the endoscope and an external tube extending alongside the endoscope and traversing the selectably inflatable balloon.

Abstract: A self-propelled device for locomotion through a lumen, comprising a set of serially arranged inflatable chambers, adjacent chambers being fluidly connected, and a fluid source attached to one end of the set, such that the chambers inflate sequentially. The chambers are constructed of an elastic material and have a wall thickness and dimensions such that they have a characteristic with a non-monotonous relationship between the inflation pressure within the chamber and the chamber's inflated size. The characteristic is such that after an initial inflation pressure peak, the non-monotonous relationship adopts a negative slope, such that the volume of the chamber increases more rapidly than the volume of fluid flowing into it, and the inflation pressure of the chamber falls. This effect causes the chamber to inflate and anchor rapidly, while essentially slowing down the inflation of the succeeding chamber until inflation of the first is complete.

Abstract: Described herein are methods and systems for detecting anisocoria and evaluating an underlying disease causing anisocoria.

Abstract: An ophthalmologic measurement apparatus includes a measurement unit that acquires an image of an eye to be inspected, a main unit in which the measurement unit is placed and which includes a holding part for holding the main unit with a hand, an eyepiece part having a shape asymmetric about a measurement optical axis of the measurement unit and capable of being in contact with an area around an eye to be inspected, a position detection unit that detects a position of the eyepiece part, an acquisition unit that acquires eye distinguishing information indicating whether the eye is a right eye or a left eye, and a display control unit that controls a display unit to display an image of the eye such that the image of the eye is rotated in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction based on the eye distinguishing information and a resultant image is displayed.

Abstract: An ophthalmologic apparatus includes an analyzing unit that analyzes a tomographic image, a comparison target selecting unit that selects a statistical information in the closest age-group if an age calculated from a birth date input to a patient information input unit is outside a range of the age-groups of the statistical information, and a comparison unit that compares a result of the analysis performed by the analyzing unit with the statistical information selected by the comparison target selecting unit.

Abstract: An optical coherence tomography system that includes an optical device having an adjustable optical element configured to displace a pupil entry point of light is provided. Optical coherence tomography methods using the optical coherence tomography system are also provided. The subject optical coherence tomography systems and methods find use in a variety of different applications, including imaging applications.

Abstract: An optical tomographic imaging apparatus includes a first lens, an optical path branching unit, a second lens and a scanning unit disposed on an optical path of measurement light with which an object to be examined is irradiated. The second lens and the scanning unit are disposed in such a manner that an angle at which the measurement light scanned by the scanning unit is incident on the optical path branching unit satisfies a wavelength separation characteristic of 90% or higher at a wavelength of observation light of the object to be examined in a wavelength band of the measurement light.

Abstract: An optical tomographic imaging apparatus includes a first lens having a first focal length, a second lens having a second focal length longer that the first focal length, a scanning unit disposed at a focal position of the second lens, and an optical path branching unit disposed between the first and second lenses. An observation optical path located on a transmission optical path of the optical path branching unit, and an optical path of measurement light located on a reflection optical path of the optical path branching unit. The second lens is disposed on the optical path of the measurement light between the first lens and the scanning unit, such that an angle at which the measurement light scanned by the scanning unit is incident on the optical path branching unit is maintained substantially unchanged during scanning.

Abstract: Systems and methods for expanding the field-of-view of ophthalmic scanning devices are presented. An ophthalmic scanning device is designed such that the pivot point of the scanning optics is maintained at a fixed location in the pupil while the scanning optics are rotated about the eye to obtain imaging data over an increased field-of-view than can be achieved by the scanning optics alone. The rotation can be achieved using a singular rotational motion of the scanning optics about a rotational axes coincident with the scanning pivot point or can be achieved using a combination of rotational motion with a second motion either rotational or translational to maintain the scanning pivot point at the fixed location. Embodiments related to optical coherence tomography and scanning laser ophthalmoscopy are described.

Abstract: An ocular system for detecting ocular abnormalities and conditions creates photorefractive digital images of a patient's retinal reflex. The system includes a computer control system, a two-dimensional array of infrared irradiation sources and a digital infrared image sensor. The amount of light provided by the array of irradiation sources is adjusted by the computer so that ocular signals from the image sensor are within a targeted range. Enhanced, adaptive, photorefraction is used to observe and measure the optical effects of Keratoconus. Multiple near infrared (NIR) sources are preferably used with the photorefractive configuration to quantitatively characterize the aberrations of the eye. The infrared light is invisible to a patient and makes the procedure more comfortable than current ocular examinations. A lens system is used to remove any low order aberrations present in the patient's eye and improve the detection sensitivity of the system.

Abstract: A corneal cover for placement on a patient's eye during eye surgery. A generally concave central arcuate portion has a first radius of curvature. A generally concave peripheral arcuate portion has a second radius of curvature larger than the first radius of curvature. One of a stem projecting from the peripheral arcuate portion, and a lip projecting from an outer periphery is provided to grasp the corneal cover, with a tool or manually, to place it on the eye and to remove it from the eye. The corneal cover has substantially no corrective power. The corneal cover is made of a hydrophobic material so it does not need to be irrigated during surgery.

Abstract: An information system and a method for providing information in correlation with light that is incident on an eye includes a holographic element disposed in front of the eye and a device capable of recording optical signals which detects light that is incident on the eye via the holographic element. The device capable of recording optical signals detects light which is diffracted by the holographic element before the light impinges on the eye such that the diffracted light does not enter the eye.