Abstract: Waffle iron comprising at least a baking mould, a heating element, a pressure body and a housing part; and tensioning means which act to clamp the heating element against the baking mould and which extend from the baking mould at most up to an inner wall of the housing part facing toward the pressure body.

Abstract: A detachable food griddle structure. A bottom heating plate is affixed to a base. A cover is rotatably coupled to a shaft that is mounted on the base, and a top heating plate is affixed to the underside of the cover. A bottom ring is removably coupled to the shaft above the heating plate, and a top ring is removably coupled to the base above the bottom ring. A cooking plate is removably coupled to an underside of the top ring.

Abstract: A fast toasting toaster and a method for control the same are disclosed. The fast toasting toaster comprises a machine core assembly, a sliding rack assembly, a heating tube assembly, and a housing fixed onto a base, the mechanism core assembly comprising a front side plate, a side plate, and a rear side plate, the front side plate, the side plate and the rear side plate being fixed and coupled to form the machine core and then being fixed onto the base, the heating tube assembly being fixed onto the front side plate and the rear side plate and being positioned between the front side plate and the rear side plate, the sliding rack assembly comprising a sliding rack and a toast rack fixed onto the sliding rack.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for processing foodstuff, the apparatus comprising a receiving portion for receiving foodstuff; a heating source for processing the foodstuff so as to effect a change of a chromatic property of first and second surface areas of the foodstuff; wherein the apparatus is arranged to obtain information that is indicative of the chromatic property of the first surface area of the foodstuff, and control the change of the chromatic property of the second surface area of the foodstuff using the obtained information and predetermined calibration data.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an automatic frying machine comprising: a frying process part having divided spaces, wherein a plurality of module-type process units which carry out each of predetermined frying processes are detachably disposed in the divided spaces; and a transfer part which is in communication with the plurality of process units of the frying process part and which carries a basket having frying materials in and out of the plurality of process units and moves the basket, wherein the transfer part comprises: a basket which carries the frying material in and out through an opening formed on the plurality of process units; a transfer unit which raises and lowers the basket and slides it back and forth; and a horizontal moving part which moves the transfer unit horizontally.

Abstract: A tool for a food processor has a first member driven in rotation and a second stationary member which have complementary working surfaces for rolling engagement formed of a stone-like material for working ingredients into a thin paste-like form, the surfaces being conical or cylindrical.

Abstract: Enhanced tongs are disclosed for holding and controlling a cooked or raw fruit or vegetable for peeling. The enhanced tongs include a pair of tong arms joined at a spring-biased pivot such that a gripping end of each tong arm faces a gripping end of the other tong arm. A set of gripping spikes located at the distal end of each tong arm projects inward towards the opposing set of gripping spikes. Each gripping spike can fully penetrate a fruit or vegetable without splitting the fruit or vegetable. The gripping spikes cooperate to hold a fruit or vegetable securely using a small portion of the fruit or vegetable so that the remaining majority of the fruit or vegetable surface can be peeled in a controlled manner.

Abstract: A cookware assembly or set comprising or including at least one cookware vessel of a substantially square peripheral exterior and interior form when viewed in plan, wherein the vessel has an attachment location on at least one of the four sides, the attachment location being a relief in the vessel's rim suitable for handle engagement, and a handle selectively engageable at the or any one of the attachment locations, the handle with both proximal and distal end regions having a pair of jaw elements at the proximal region for facilitating engagement to an attachment location such that a first jaw of the jaw pair locates substantially inside the vessel and a second jaw of the jaw pair locates substantially outside of the vessel, and a lid able to fit on the cookware vessel and to close, or at least substantially close, the cookware vessel.

Abstract: The instant invention provides a multilayer structure. The multilayer structure according to the present invention comprises: at least a first layer comprising a high-density polyethylene composition having a density in the range of from 0.936 to 0.965 g/cm3, a melt index (I2) in the range of from 0.05 to 1.0 g/10 minutes, wherein the first layer has a thickness in the range of from 4 to 10 mil; at least a second layer comprising an adhesive composition; and at least a third layer comprising an absorbent material, wherein the second layer is disposed between the first layer and the third layer.

Abstract: An improved shower curtain may reduce or eliminate the shower curtain effect and work with any standard shower rod. The shower curtain may include pockets and elongated members disposed substantially vertically within the pockets. The elongated members may be removable from the pockets or the pockets may be sealed to prevent removal of the elongated members. The shower curtain body may also include weighted members disposed in auxiliary pockets located along a lower portion of the curtain.

Abstract: A radio frequency identification (RFID) dispenser that includes low cost electronic components that can read and write to the tag of a refill cartridge. In one embodiment, the reader utilizes a multi band pass filter to convert the radio frequency identification into a digital signal that is processed by a controller to perform a dispensing function representative to the code of the tag. In another embodiment, the controller utilizes an internal comparator to convert the radio frequency identification into a digital signal that is processed by a controller to perform a dispensing function representative to the code of the tag. The dispenser in both embodiments also includes a pair of transistors that write to the RFID tag of the refill cartridge. A dispenser according to the invention also includes the capability to read and/or write to tags upon cartridges employed by the dispenser, and augmenting the operation of the dispenser as a function thereof.

Abstract: An apparatus for washing skin using a brushless electric motor and a spring is provided.

Abstract: A device for reducing a level of infectious agents present on one or more hands of a user. This device may reduce the level of infectious agents present on one or more fingers and/or thumbs of a user, specifically reducing a level of infectious agents present on the distal aspect of the digit; including, but not limited to an underside of a nail plate, and an area of hyponychium skin between a free margin of the nail plate and an onychodermal band of a digit, such as for example, a finger, thumb, or toe.

Abstract: A collapsible toilet with enhanced strength and stability is provided. The toilet supports an entire weight of a user when in use. The collapsible toilet includes a plurality of panels coupled together to form a generally oval shaped member with an interior space, each panel of the plurality of panels pivotably mounted to an adjacent one of the plurality of panels to permit pivotal movement of each panel relative to the adjacent panel, and a lid detachably coupled to the plurality of panels and having a central opening aligned with the interior space of the panels, the lid having a pair of foldable halves pivotably mounted together. The entire weight of the user is dispersed throughout the plurality of panels when the user is situated on the lid.

Abstract: Most households lower the thermostat at night to save energy. My invention The Cozy Comfort Toilet Seat Cover: The Fleece Seat is a blanket that allows the user to eliminate the shock of a cold toilet seat so they can relax and quickly get back to sleeping. Fleece eliminates the need to use electricity to warm the seat making my invention energy efficient. Simply place The Fleece Seat on top of the toilet seat. Insert the middle tab into the seat hinge, fold flaps under seat until the velcro tabs join.

Abstract: A bathing aid storage device comprises a first shell, a second shell, and a drain hole. At least one of the first shell and the second shell comprises a plurality of apertures. At least one of the first shell and the second shell comprises a plurality of gullies. The first shell and the second shell define an enclosure, the enclosure being configured to accommodate a bathing aid.

Abstract: A safety grab bar and grab bar ring sized and configured to removably mount around the safety grab bar to assist in preventing a user's hand from sliding along the grab bar. The grab bar ring has a first ring and second ring, which are connected together and are sized and configured to removably mount around the safety grab bar. Gaskets are located on inside surfaces of the first and second rings. The gaskets are configured to contact a portion of the safety grab bar. One side of the first and second rings is rotatably joined together by a hinge connection. The opposite side of the first and second rings is removably joined together by a latch connection. An external surface of the first and second rings may include surface texturing or a non-slip surface. Multiple grab bar rings may be mounted to a single grab bar.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner canister assembly supported on a cushion of air. A generally concentric series of ridges and channels surround a domed pocket in the base of the canister assembly. Air discharged into the pocket escapes under the ridges and flows into the channels so as to be distributed about the base of the assembly. The pocket is located generally beneath the center of mass and on the centerline of the assembly. A collection chamber also accumulates collected particulate so as to be located generally proximate the center of mass. An inlet tube at the front of the assembly is angled downwardly towards the floor to reduce the load on the canister assembly from the weight of the hose.

Abstract: A system for the collection and containment of vacuumed dust and debris, and more particularly to waste disposal bags for placement over a portion of a bagless vacuum cleaner, and into which the waste contents of the vacuum cleaner are emptied. The system includes a mouth with a projecting lip, a non-projecting lip and a light tack adhesive strip on the projecting or non-projecting lip. When the mouth is constricted about a portion of the bagless vacuum cleaner, the light tack adhesive strip adheres the bag for temporary affixment to the vacuum cleaner. The projecting lip serves as a flap that is folded over the mouth to seal the bag after the filled bag is separated from the vacuum cleaner.

Abstract: In a cyclone dust collector and a vacuum cleaning device having the same, foreign substances can be prevented from being attached on an outer circumferential surface of a grill located at an outlet part, so that an inhalation force of the vacuum cleaning device can be prevented from being lowered. Also, foreign substances collected in the cyclone dust collector can be easily removed. The vacuum cleaning device includes: a cyclone dust collector, wherein the cyclone dust collector includes: a cyclone chamber in which air introduced through an inlet part is whirled and dust is separated from the air; an outlet part disposed so that the air from which the dust is separated is discharged from the cyclone chamber; and a grill that is rotatably disposed in the outlet part.

Abstract: Provided is a cleaning device comprising: a camera unit for capturing an image; a cleaning unit for cleaning; an air purification unit for purifying air; a driving unit for moving the cleaning device; and a processor for controlling the camera unit, the cleaning unit, the air purification unit and the driving unit, wherein the processor detects a user by using the camera unit, cleans by moving the cleaning device to a position exceeding a first threshold distance from the detected user when the cleaning device is in a cleaning mode, and purifies the air by moving the cleaning device to a position within a second threshold distance from the detected user when the cleaning device is in an air purification mode.

Abstract: A cleaning system. The system has a floor cleaning device, disposable floor sheet removably attachable to the device pad, and a rotatable beater bar. The device has a single wheel, and moves on the target surface by rolling action of the wheel and gliding of the floor sheet. This arrangement, not having multiple wheels, provides enhanced maneuverability, and improves cleaning performance. The cleaning system may be used to clean hard surfaces, such as a floor.

Abstract: An agitator and a robot cleaner including an agitator. The agitator includes a body configured to be rotated, a plurality of couplers formed at the body and arranged to be spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance, and a first member and a second member coupled to any one of the couplers and configured to contact a surface to be cleaned during rotation of the body. The first member and the second member extend different lengths from the body in a radial direction.

Abstract: A self-propelling and self-steering floor cleaning appliance is provided which includes at least one cleaning unit and a dirt collecting container having a container interior, a bottom wall, a dirt inlet opening and a dirt outlet opening formed on the bottom wall, wherein dirt particles are transferable by means of the at least one cleaning unit into the container interior. To enable easy removal of dirt particles from the dirt collecting container while achieving a simple design, the floor cleaning appliance has a valve device actuatable by air pressure and arranged at the dirt outlet opening with at least one valve body which, in a closed position, at least partially forms the bottom wall and closes the dirt outlet opening and is transferable into an open position in which the dirt outlet opening is at least partially uncovered. The invention further relates to a cleaning system.

Abstract: A floor cleaning machine is provided, in particular a hand-guided and/or hand-held floor cleaning machine, including a support device, at least one cleaning roller arranged on the support device, capable of being driven in rotation and provided with a cleaning substrate, a fan device for creating a suction flow, and a suction channel device for the suction flow which provides a suction channel operatively connected for fluid communication between the fan device and the at least one cleaning roller, wherein the suction channel has a mouth towards the at least one cleaning roller that includes a first and a spaced second mouth wall having a mouth opening therebetween, wherein the first mouth wall is positioned above the second mouth wall relative to the direction of gravity, wherein the first and/or second mouth wall are/is in contact against or protrude(s) into the cleaning substrate of the at least one cleaning roller.

Abstract: A traveling floor cleaning machine is provided, including a chassis, a cleaning tool apparatus which is arranged on the chassis with at least one cleaning tool and a holder for the at least one cleaning tool, and a suction apparatus which includes a suction unit and an aspiration apparatus, wherein the suction unit is arranged on the holder.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are a robot cleaner and a robot cleaning system having the same. The robot cleaner includes a main body, a traveling unit configured to move the main body, a cleaning unit configured to execute cleaning, a camera configured to capture an image including foreign substances, a communication unit configured to exchange data with a mobile terminal or a server, and a controller configured to control transmission of the image including the foreign substances and image related information to the mobile terminal or the server and to execute cleaning of an area around the foreign substances based on cleaning execution information regarding the foreign substances or to execute no cleaning of the area around the foreign substances based on cleaning avoidance information regarding the foreign substances, transmitted from the mobile terminal or the server. Thereby, the robot cleaner may selectively clean foreign substances.

Abstract: Microfiber cloth is attached, with an opening in the middle to permit insertion of a finger, to a backing formed by articles of regularly worn clothing, including shirt tails, the tip of neckties, scarves, sweaters, pants or other clothing article, making the microfiber cloth more accessible and ready to use for cleaning surfaces of personal devices without risk to soiling any exposed surface of the backing.

Abstract: The present invention provides a cleaning tool with interchangeable cleaning heads any one of which may be removably connected to a hollow handle. In one aspect of the invention, the cleaning tool generally includes an elongated hollow handle having a proximal and a distal end, wherein the distal end includes a stepped down neck region having a pair of opposed bosses extending outwardly therefrom; and at least two different cleaning tools each of which is adapted for removable coupling to the distal end of the handle.

Abstract: A cleaning device operable for use with a disposable cleaning towel is provided. The cleaning device includes a handle, a head, first and second clamps, and an ejector. The handle extends between a proximal end portion and a distal end portion. The head is disposed relative to the distal end portion of the handle. The head defines a head surface over which the disposable cleaning towel is fixed during use of the cleaning device. The head defines a head cavity and a head aperture extending between the head cavity and the head mating surface. The first and second clamps are disposed relative to the head, and each are selectively moveable between a closed position and an open position. In their respective closed positions, at least a portion of each of the first and second clamps is operable to abut the head surface and hold the cleaning towel in place. In their respective open positions, each of the first and second clamps is positioned away from the head surface.

Abstract: A household appliance, such as a dishwasher, for treating an item according to at least one automatic cycle of operation includes multiple antennas for transmitting and receiving data with an external network. The multiple antennas can be coupled with a radio also located within the appliance.

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 appliance includes a sump assembly with a unitary filter for filtering wash fluid supplied to a wash chamber of the dishwasher appliance. The unitary filter defines a central axis. The unitary filter also has a filter medium with an inner surface that defines an interior chamber of the filter medium. A cross-sectional area of the interior chamber in a plane that is perpendicular to the central axis changes along a length of the central axis. A related method for forming a unitary filter for a dishwasher appliance is also provided.

Abstract: A dishwasher appliance includes a spray assembly with a unitary spray arm. The unitary spray arm of the spray assembly defines a plurality of outlets. The unitary spray arm of the spray assembly also defines a plurality of channels within the unitary spray arm. Each channel of the plurality of channels extends to at least one of the plurality of outlets. A first channel of the plurality of channels has a first cross-sectional area, and a second channel of the plurality of channels has a second, different cross-sectional area. A related method for forming a unitary spray arm for a dishwasher appliance is also provided.

Abstract: Tubs for dishwasher appliances, as well as associated dishwasher appliances, are provided. A tub includes a plurality of walls defining a wash chamber. At least one of the plurality of walls includes a non-porous outer barrier, a non-porous inner barrier, and a porous media disposed between the outer barrier and the inner barrier. The porous media includes a matrix and one or more voids defined in the matrix.

Abstract: A dishwasher may include a basket; tubing at the bottom of the basket; at least one utensil holder rotatably connected to the tubing and rotatable between an operating position, in which an article can be held at the utensil holder, and a resting position, in which the utensil holder is stowed away when not in use; and a nozzle communicating with the tubing and located to direct a jet of washing liquid towards an article held at the utensil holder. The utensil holder may include a clamping portion adapted to engage an article to be cleaned, and the nozzle may be located in proximity of the clamping portion. The utensil holder may include a valve means which provides for fluid communication between the tubing and the nozzle in the operating position, and which may block the fluid communication between the tubing and the nozzle in the resting position.

Abstract: A lint remover cover is provided. The cover is a substantially flat and bendable sheet having a first end, a second end, an upper surface, a lower surface, and an edge about the perimeter. A strap is attached to the upper surface and protrudes past the edge on the first end. A connector is attached to the upper surface near the second end and releasably attaches to the strap. The cover is wrapped around a lint roller covering the adhesive tape. The strap connects to the connector to further secure the cover to the lint roller.

Abstract: A cleaning apparatus configured for removing debris or lint from clothing by agitating lint and then rolling it off. The cleaning apparatus includes a handle with a first end and a second end, a cleaning roll support extending from the handle second end and terminating at a distal end, an agitator arm extending from the handle second end parallel to the cleaning roll support and terminating at a distal end and an end cap rotatably connected to the agitator arm distal end. The end cap is configured to be rotatable between an open position away from the cleaning roll support and a closed position in which the end cap engages with the distal end of the cleaning roll support.

Abstract: A system for controlling a display of image data is presented including a first imaging unit for capturing a first set of images and a second imaging unit for capturing a second set of images. The system also includes a display unit configured to display the image data in a picture-in-picture mode, such that the display unit displays the first set of images in a first panel having a first size and the second set of images in a second panel having a second size, where the first size is greater than the second size.

Abstract: An endoscope system includes: an insertion portion to be inserted into a predetermined luminal organ in a subject; an image pickup section provided in a vicinity of a distal end of the insertion portion, the image pickup section picking up an image of a predetermined range; an image pickup information acquiring section acquiring position information and gaze information about the image pickup section; a model image generating section generating a planar model image of the predetermined luminal organ; an image pasting processing section generating a pasted image obtained by pasting a subject image of an inside of the predetermined luminal organ onto the planar model image based on the position information and gaze information about the image pickup section; and an image pasting/presentation processing section presenting an image pickup range of the image pickup section on the pasted image based on the position information about the image pickup section.

Abstract: An endoscope device includes: a light source unit; an imaging device; a color filter in which a filter unit is arranged, the filter unit in which the number of filters which transmit light of a green wavelength band is equal to or larger than half the total number of filters and the number of filters which transmit light of a blue wavelength band is equal to or larger than the number of filters which transmit the light of the green wavelength band; and a noise reducing unit configured to select a pixel of interest based on used filter information determined according to the light emitted by the light source unit and a characteristic of each filter forming the color filter and detect motion between images captured at different times by using an electric signal output by the pixel of interest, thereby reducing a noise component included in the image signal.

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

Abstract: A wireless endoscopic surgical device used for minimally invasive procedures comprises a handheld component and a separate power module. The handheld component consisting of a handle and a conduit houses a wireless imaging system and a single LED light source. The imaging system comprises a wireless camera coupled to an optical assembly. Both the intensity of the LED and the camera action can be controlled by a battery-operated power module. The handle and conduit are designed to accommodate surgical tools. In alternative embodiments, the handheld component is self-contained.

Abstract: The invention refers to a deflection movement transmission device comprising a control element (1) for effecting a deflection movement, the control element (1) having a pivot portion (11; 11?) that is supported on a head portion (31; 31?) of a base element (3) and is pivotable relative to the head portion (31; 31?) of the base element (3) for effecting a deflection movement; at least one movement transmission wire body (2, 2a, 2b) that is articulated to the pivot portion (11; 11?) of the control element (1); an elongate transmission guiding body (5) in the longitudinal direction of which the movement transmission wire body (2, 2a, 2b) is guided; and a bendable body (6) to be deflected that is seated at the end of the transmission guiding body (5), opposite to the control element (1), and to which the movement transmission wire body (2, 2a, 2b) is mounted in a manner spaced apart from a connection (61) to the transmission guiding body (5).

Abstract: A bending tube for an endoscope, which is provided inside a bending portion of an insertion portion of an endoscope and includes a plurality of bending pieces covered by a flexible tube body, the bending tube including a distalmost end bending piece connected to a distal end portion of an insertion portion, a proximalmost end bending piece connected to a flexible tube portion of the insertion portion, and a net-like tube covering an outer periphery of the plurality of bending pieces except the distalmost end bending piece and the proximalmost end bending piece and including a distal end part fixed to a first bending piece joined to the distalmost end bending piece and a proximal end part fixed to a second bending piece joined to the proximalmost end bending piece.

Abstract: A method for positioning an endoscope involves installing an auxiliary positioning device on a robot arm, coinciding a terminal of a docking member of the auxiliary positioning device with a remote center of motion defined by the robot arm, inserting and fixing the endoscope inside the auxiliary positioning device, removing the docking member of the auxiliary positioning device so that a terminal of the endoscope coincides with the remote center of motion of the robot arm, and then inserting the endoscope into a body cavity catheter for finalizing positioning. Thereby, the method helps to save time used for preoperative preparation and provides more precise positioning, without using any additional positioning tools to approach the body cavity, thereby reducing the risk of infection.

Abstract: An arthroscopic inflow and outflow sheath providing an improved inflow and outflow system reducing the diameter of a continuous flow system while eliminating the need for a third portal during arthroscopy. The improved arthroscopic inflow and outflow sheath comprises an elongated atraumatic sheath having an inner surface, outer surface, proximal end, and distal end. The atraumatic sheath further comprises plurality of ribs extending from the inner surface of the sheath and designed to contact an outer surface of the arthroscope creating outer lumens facilitating the inflow and outflow of fluid to a surgical site.

Abstract: An image pickup apparatus includes an image pickup device on which a light receiving section is formed, a heat transfer member made of a material having thermal conductivity equal to or higher than 15 W/(m·K), the heat transfer member including a wiring board, a joining section joined to the image pickup device, a bending section extended from the joining section, and a fixed section extended from the bending section, and a housing made of metal, an inner surface of which is in contact with a part of the fixed section of the heat transfer member housed on an inside.

Abstract: A living body observation system includes: an illuminating light generation section configured to generate first light and second light; an image pickup section; a computation section configured to calculate a difference degree indicating a degree of difference between a luminance value of a first image obtained by picking up an image of return light of the first light and a luminance value of a second image obtained by picking up an image of return light of the second light in a same pixel; an enhancement processing section configured to enhance a contrast of the pixel in which the difference degree exceeds a threshold relative to a pixel in which the difference degree does not exceed the threshold; and an observation image creation section configured to create an observation image by using the first image after the process by the enhancement processing section and the second image.

Abstract: An illuming device for use in medically illuminating tissue of interest within a patient generally includes a light diffusing optical fiber and an at least partially optically opaque sheath that is mounted over the fiber for selective, sliding movement along the length thereof. By sliding the sheath relative to the optical fiber after it has been inserted into a patient to illuminate a particular area of tissue, the length, size, and/or shape of the light that is exposed to the tissue can be selectively controlled. Such in situ variation of the properties of the exposed light permit use of a single instrument and a single procedure regardless of variation in the size and shape of the diseased tissue being medically treated.