Abstract: The present disclosure relates, according to some embodiments, to articles and systems for hangers. In some embodiments, hangers may be operable as garment hangers. A hanger may comprise a body comprising two arms disposed opposite to each other, a neck disposed upward from the body, and an auxiliary section disposed downward from the body. The auxiliary section may comprise an auxiliary panel connected to the body by an extension panel, and at least one securing panel disposed on the auxiliary panel. The securing panel may comprise an outer tab connected to the auxiliary panel at two points, at least one vertical tab connected to the auxiliary panel between the two points, and at least one lateral tab disposed along an inner wall of the outer tab. Lateral tabs may comprise a rectangular, trapezoidal, or other polygonal geometry.

Abstract: The invention concerns a device for the hanging of textiles, such as, for example, curtains, with a holding element, which can be fastened onto a fixed structure, a counterplate securely attached onto the holding element, a pressure plate fastened in a hinged manner onto the holding element, wherein the pressure plate with the counterplate forms a clip for purposes of securing the textiles, and with an electromagnet, which operates together with an armature plate so as to close the clip. A particularly low level of noise generation can be achieved by mounting the armature plate on the holding element and coupling it by means of an adjustable connecting element with the pressure plate, and by arranging the mounting of the armature plate on the holding element between the mounting of the pressure plate and the adjustable connecting element.

Abstract: A garlic clove peeler comprising a housing formed with a clove receiving compartment and with a friction wall and a balloon-like complimentary peeling element made of resilient material and having a shaft that has a rotational axis and that removably connects to the housing. The peeling element being formed with a peeler surface extending adjacent the friction wall and resiliently biased in a direction facing the friction wall wherein the friction wall and the peeler surface are concentric with respect to the rotational axis of the shaft.

Abstract: A pre-packaged beverage brewer press is taught that incorporates a hollow cylinder (20) having a full diameter body (22), an open top (24) and a closed bottom (26) with a removable holder (36) engaging the cylinder bottom. The holder has a configuration suitable to retain a beverage cartridge (40), with the holder having at least one exit opening (46) therein. A removable manually operated piston (74) is configured to be engaged within the hollow cylinder and includes an air-tight seal and an outwardly extended top (76). A cup (98), having a wide flat bottom for standing evenly on a flat surface, is attached to the cylinder bottom. When heated water is placed within the cylinder and the piston is inserted into the cylinder and urged downwardly by a user, sufficient pressure is created to compress the water into the beverage cartridge permitting steeping therefore brewing a beverage which is discharged into the cup attached beneath.

Abstract: A beverage forming system and method in which an activation button is arranged on a movable cartridge holder. A beverage forming system may include a cartridge holder movably mounted to a frame and having an opening to receive a cartridge such that the cartridge holder is arranged to hold and move a cartridge between an open position and a closed position. An activation button may be mounted on a top of the cartridge holder with the cartridge holder in the closed position, allowing easy access to the button once the cartridge holder is closed. Operation of the activation button may cause the system to begin a beverage forming process that includes introducing fluid to the cartridge via an inlet.

Abstract: A beverage preparation machine (1) comprises: a beverage preparation module (2) that vibrates during use, in particular a module for preparing a beverage by circulating a liquid via a flavoring ingredient such a pre-portioned ingredient contained in a capsule; and a reservoir (4) for storing liquid and supplying such liquid to the beverage preparation module. The beverage preparation module and the reservoir are connected by a vibration-barrier mechanical connection (3, 45, 291, 431) for inhibiting or preventing propagation of vibrations from the beverage preparation module to the reservoir.

Abstract: A system for measuring the state of degradation of cooking oil or fat includes at least one fryer pot; a conduit fluidly connected to the fryer pot for transporting cooking oil from the fryer pot and returning the cooking oil back to the fryer pot. A pump for re-circulating cooking oil to and from the fryer pot; and a sensor disposed in fluid communication with the conduit that measures an electrical property of the cooking oil as the cooking oil flows past the sensor and is returned to the at least one fryer pot is provided.

Abstract: An herb chopper includes a bottle, an upper chopper, a lower chopper, an agitator, and a dust cap. The bottle can hold a herb to be ground. The upper chopper is positioned inside of and opposite to the lower chopper and can rotate with respect to the lower chopper. The bottle is positioned on the upper chopper partially inside of the lower chopper. The bottle is rotated relative to the lower chopper causing the herb leaves to be chopped by the upper and lower choppers and dispensed out of the chopper through dispensing holes formed in the lower chopper.

Abstract: A food grinder (10) makes a sound or vibrates with a frequency that changes between a first mode when the grinding mechanism (22, 24, 36) is performing a grinding operation while there is bulk food ingredient within the grinding chamber, and a second mode when the grinding mechanism (22, 24, 36) is performing a grinding operation while there is no bulk food ingredient within the grinding chamber, has a detector (44) for sensing the change in frequency and a controller (42) responsive to the detector (44) for controlling the application of electrical power to the grinding mechanism (22, 24 36). Power is first applied when a start grind switch is manually actuated and is later automatically removed in response to a timer (54) a preselected time period after the detector senses that the grinding chamber is empty of bulk food ingredient to be ground.

Abstract: A device comprising a shower partition comprising a plurality of cells or pleats.

Abstract: A prefabricated, polyurethane reaction injection molded, leak-proof shower module suitable for use in constructing a tiled shower includes a plurality of sidewalls, a floor bounded along at least one peripheral edge by at least one sidewall extending substantially vertically from the edge, and a drain wall defining a drain aperture and having an outer surface and an inner surface. In one embodiment, the floor slopes toward the drain wall at a pitch equal to or greater than ? inch per foot. A prefabricated drain assembly is integrated into the floor and encased inside the drain wall, or a drain fixture is inserted into the drain aperture after fabrication of the floor. In one embodiment, the maximum thickness of the drain wall, measured from the outer surface to the inner surface, is equal to or less than 1 ½ times the smallest inner diameter.

Abstract: The present invention includes a method to sew a “T” shaped pocket into a towel to orient, support and secure a towel draped over a seat back or frame structure which is an capable being accessibly and removably coupled to suitable objects, such as car seats and other seating having back rests or frames used to display advertising messages or items placed on display resting in the T-pocket. The T-pocket component may include a first end and a longer second end, the longer second end employed to provide a level of protection for the underlying seat and comfort to the seated person, but also allow the person to dry himself and maintain warmth.

Abstract: An apparatus for refilling a cylindrical wipes dispenser. The apparatus includes a plurality of rectangular wipes configured in a flat stack and having packaging that contains an opening mechanism. The opening mechanism is operable for opening the apparatus to allow common removal of the plurality of rectangular wipes. The plurality of rectangular wipes are interleaved and folded to form an indentation along a longitudinal axis of the plurality of rectangular wipes. The plurality of rectangular wipes is operable to be folded along the indentation to form a V shape for insertion into a cylindrical dispensing container. The width of the rectangular flat stack wipes is slightly larger than the diameter of the dispensing cylinder.

Abstract: A robotic vacuum cleaner including a control system and a suction nozzle with a cleaning brush. The control system controls at least one of frequency and intensity of contact between the cleaning brush and each brushable portion of a floor surface to be cleaned such that at least one of the frequency and the intensity of contact between the cleaning brush and the floor surface decreases with a decrease of the distance to the at least one boundary of the floor surface.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner includes a dirt tank, a tank cover mounted on the dirt tank, and a blower detachably mounted on the tank cover. The blower includes a handle. A latching mechanism located at the handle allows selective attachment or detachment of the blower and the tank cover.

Abstract: A self-moving dust suction apparatus to facilitate cleaning comprises a dust suction base, a detachable dust collection unit and an airflow directing element. The dust suction base includes an air drawing mechanism to draw airflow, a housing space corresponding to the air drawing mechanism, an opening communicating with the housing space and a trigger driven mechanism. The detachable dust collection unit is held in the housing space through the opening and includes a dust suction inlet corresponding to the air drawing mechanism. The airflow directing element is disposed on the detachable dust collection unit and includes an elastic barrier plate which partially surrounds the dust suction inlet and extends towards a floor from the detachable dust collection unit to confine direction of the airflow flowing into the dust suction inlet.

Abstract: Vacuum cleaner filters, in particular replaceable vacuum cleaner filters suitable for both wet and wet/dry type vacuum cleaners are disclosed, as well as vacuum cleaner systems incorporating the use of such filters, and methods for their use. The filters include a filter element arranged in a closed circumferential, cylindrically-shaped path, a top end cap having a central orifice capable of constricting a post on a vacuum filter cage, and optionally a molded end ring oppositely-spaced from the top end cap for engagement with the lower motor housing of a vacuum cleaner.

Abstract: Vacuum cleaners and methods of controlling a motor driven by a battery source in a vacuum cleaner. The vacuum cleaner has a motor, a battery source for providing power to the motor, a voltage measuring unit for measuring a voltage over the motor, and a current measuring unit for measuring a current flowing through the motor. Further, the vacuum cleaner comprises a control unit for controlling, based on the measured voltage and/or the measured current, the power provided to the motor from the battery source to attain a target motor power value during a specified time period running from start-up of the motor, and to gradually decrease the power provided to the motor after the time period ends.

Abstract: An automatic cleaner includes a casing having a suction port, a suction device disposed in the casing to suction foreign substances through the suction port, a moving device that moves the casing, and a side brush assembly movably installed on the casing. The side brush assembly includes a movable member movably disposed on the casing, a first driving device that generates power for moving the movable member, a brush rotatably mounted on the movable member, and a second driving device that generates power for rotating the brush.

Abstract: A floor treatment apparatus is provided that includes a chassis that supports at least one cleaning element. The chassis is supported by a plurality of wheels, one which is steerable via a steering wheel interconnected to a housing also associated with the chassis. The chassis provided includes a plurality of movable housing members, one of which is associated with the steering wheel. To access the internal components of the floor treatment apparatus, the front housing is rotated or moved away from the other housings wherein the steering wheel does not require disconnection to allow this movement.

Abstract: A method of cleaning residue from a surface includes providing a disposable cellulosic wiper including a percentage by weight of pulp-derived papermaking fibers, and a percentage by weight of regenerated independent cellulosic microfibers having a number average diameter of less than about 2 microns and a characteristic Canadian Standard Freeness (CSF) value of less than 175 ml. The microfibers are selected and present in amounts such that the wiper exhibits a relative wicking ratio of at least 1.5. The wiper is applied, with a predetermined amount of pressure, to a residue-bearing surface. The surface is wiped with the applied wiper, while applying the predetermined amount of pressure, to remove residue from the surface, such that the surface has less than 1 g/m2 of residue after being wiped under the predetermined amount of pressure.

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 dishwasher having a treating chamber for receiving dishes for treatment according to an automatic treating cycle within the treating chamber that includes a shell partially defining the treating chamber and a base structure supporting the shell as well as a liquid recirculation system mounted to the base structure and configured to recirculate liquid within the treating chamber.

Abstract: A dishwasher is provided. The dishwasher may include a case, a tub provided in the case and forming a dishwashing space, a re-using section provided inside the case and forming a space for storing wash water to be sprayed into the tub, and a water storing section provided inside the case and forming another space, separated from the re-using section, for storing externally supplied wash water.

Abstract: A method of attaching a dishwasher using a mounting bracket including a bracket body, two attachment points, and at least one anchoring zone with the at least one anchoring zone for corresponding to the attachment of the dishwasher anchoring hardware and a plurality of anchoring holes within the at least one anchoring zone for providing multiple options in anchoring a dishwasher.

Abstract: A water-conducting domestic appliance, in particular a domestic dishwasher, the water-conducting domestic appliance including a washing compartment for receiving items therein that are to be subjected to a washing cycle by the water-conducting domestic appliance; and a detergent dosing system, the detergent dosing system having a detergent dispenser with a receiving compartment, the receiving area for receiving at least one cartridge that is configured to hold at least one detergent, the detergent dosing system having the capability to store a quantity of detergent greater than a quantity needed for a single washing cycle and the detergent dosing system having an apparatus for detecting a fill level in at least one of the detergent dispenser and the at least one cartridge.

Abstract: An example vent assembly for a dishwasher having a tub at least partially defining a treating chamber, and an exhaust vent, includes a condenser having an outlet, and an inlet in fluid communication with the treating chamber, an ambient air cooling duct in thermal communication with the condenser, and having an outlet in fluid communication with the exhaust vent, a venturi having an inlet in communication with the outlet of the condenser, and an outlet in communication with the cooling duct, and a fan for flowing ambient air through the cooling duct, past the venturi, and out the exhaust vent.

Abstract: A dishwasher for cleaning an item to be washed includes at least one receiving structure which is configured to hold the item to be washed. Disposed on the at least one receiving structure is at least one arrangement direction for indicating a position where the item to be washed is to be placed in the at least one receiving structure.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus and method are provided. The probe for an imaging apparatus includes a manually manipulable proximal portion; a straight distal portion with a distal tip for locating at a site to define an observational field; and a curved portion between the proximal portion and the distal portion. The imaging method includes the steps of locating a distal tip of an imaging probe at a site to define an observational field; irradiating the observational field from the distal tip; and collecting a return signal at the distal tip; wherein the probe comprises a manually manipulable proximal portion. The apparatus and method provided herein are useful for various applications including but not limited to endomicroscopy and other microsurgical procedures performed under optical stereoscopic magnified visualization, such as neurosurgery, ENT/facial surgery and spinal surgery.

Abstract: An ultrasound endoscope includes an insertion portion that is inserted into a subject, an ultrasound transducer portion that is arranged at a distal end portion of the insertion portion and includes an ultrasound transmitting and receiving surface for transmitting and receiving ultrasound, a first balloon groove that is a groove formed between the insertion portion and the ultrasound transducer portion and is for locking a balloon that covers the ultrasound transmitting and receiving, a distal end face that is arranged on a distal end side with respect to the ultrasound transducer portion and is disposed spaced apart from the ultrasound transmitting and receiving surface, and a convex portion that is provided on the distal end face and on which stress concentrates when a finger is slid on the distal end face.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for efficient purging from an imaging hood are described which facilitate the visualization of tissue regions through a clear fluid. Such a system may include an imaging hood having one or more layers covering the distal opening and defines one or more apertures which control the infusion and controlled retention of the clearing fluid into the hood. In this manner, the amount of clearing fluid may be limited and the clarity of the imaging of the underlying tissue through the fluid within the hood may be maintained for relatively longer periods of time by inhibiting, delaying, or preventing the infusion of surrounding blood into the viewing field. The aperture size may be controlled to decrease or increase through selective inflation of the membrane or other mechanisms.

Abstract: An endoscope and a method for chemical modification of the members thereof are provided, on one hand, a transparent isolation film is utilized such that the tissue fluid inside a subject cannot stick to a lens of the endoscope to maintain the optimal image capturing status of the lens of the endoscope without the need to extract the endoscope frequently from the body of the subject, such that not only the time consumed in the examination process may be reduced, but also the uncomfortable feeling of the subject in the examination process may be decreased; on the other hand, a chemical modification method for members of the endoscope is provided to reduce the negative impact on the lens of the endoscope resulted from liquid pollutant or mist, moisture.

Abstract: Two surgical instruments are inserted through a guide tube. The surgical instruments exit at an intermediate position of the guide tube and are oriented to be substantially parallel to the guide tube's longitudinal axis as they exit. A stereoscopic image capture component is on the guide tube between the intermediate position and the guide tube's distal end. The image capture component's field of view is generally perpendicular to the guide tube's longitudinal axis. The surgical instruments and the guide tube are telemanipulatively controlled.

Abstract: A method for displaying video-endoscopic image data of a video endoscope having at least one lateral viewing direction, wherein at least one objective which is movable relative to an image sensor about the longitudinal axis of a shaft of the video endoscope and has at least one lateral viewing direction is arranged on the distal end of the shaft of the video endoscope, wherein the viewing direction is changed over from a first viewing direction to a second viewing direction on account of a viewing direction changeover command. Also provided are a video endoscopy system wherein the viewing direction can be changed over from a first viewing direction to a second viewing direction on account of a viewing direction changeover command and a software program product comprising program code means for carrying out the above method.

Abstract: An appropriate stereoscopic image of a subject is readily acquired. Provided is a stereoscopic endoscope device including two image capture elements spaced apart from each other and disposed at a distal end of an insertion section to be inserted into a subject; an angle changing mechanism that changes a relative angle between optical axes of the image capture elements; a distance sensor that detects the distance from the image capture elements to the subject; and a controller that controls the angle changing mechanism on the basis of the distance detected by the distance sensor.

Abstract: An illuminated suction apparatus including a hand-held surgical device combining a high-performance non-fiber optic optical waveguide with suction. This device is useful in a wide array of surgical procedures including open and minimally invasive orthopedics.

Abstract: An instrument system is provided. The instrument system has an endoscopic instrument with a work head that is mounted on one end of a flexible support arm and can be inserted into a patient. The instrument system has a trocar that can be placed in the body surface of the patient and has a main body which can be fixed in position relative to the patient and which has a through-opening for the instrument, a guide body which, when the instrument is inserted, encloses and guides a longitudinal portion of the support arm with a guide channel in such a way that a spatial guiding direction of the support arm is defined at least thereon, with an adjustment element acting on the guide body and allowing a specific change of a relative position of the guiding direction with respect to the main body.

Abstract: An endoscope camera, including a cylindrical enclosure having an enclosure diameter, and an imaging array mounted within the enclosure so that a plane face of the imaging array is parallel to the enclosure diameter. The camera includes a right-angle transparent prism having a rectangular entrance face, an exit face, and an hypotenuse configured to reflect radiation from the entrance face to the exit face. The entrance face has a first edge longer than a second edge, and the prism is mounted within the enclosure so that the first edge is parallel to the enclosure diameter and so that the exit face mates with the plane face of the imaging array. The camera further includes optics, configured to receive incoming radiation from an object, which are mounted so as to transmit the incoming radiation to the imaging array via the entrance and exit faces of the prism.

Abstract: A system for automatically identifying a blade that is connected to a hand piece based on data transmitted from the blade to the hand piece. The blade is provided with a first electronic coupler that communicates with a second electronic coupled positioned in the hand piece such that data related to the blade is transmitted to the hand piece and controllers/computers and in the case of reusable blades, updated data is transmitted to the blade to be saved in a memory coupled to the first electronic coupler. The coupling system can be either a hard wired or wireless coupling between the blade and the hand piece.

Abstract: A camera hand-piece for medical use includes a lighting system, an optical window, a fixed part in turn having an optical system for acquiring images through an optical window, an image sensor, electronic circuits for image processing, and optionally a prism. The hand-piece has an external part, which is mobile with respect to the internal fixed part, and rotatably commutable between at least two different working positions having different optical or lighting features, which are freely selectable by an operator. In one embodiment, the lighting system for lighting the framed field is positioned in the internal fixed part of the camera hand-piece, and the mobile distal part, non comprising electronic parts, can be sterilized in an autoclave.

Abstract: The invention relates to an internal body observation device which includes an ordinary observation light source, an ordinary observation irradiation optical system, a special observation light source, a special observation irradiation optical system, an observation optical system for transmitting the light from an observation target, a detection means configured to detect the light transmitted from the observation optical system as a detection signal, and a processing unit for separating the detection signal in the respective light sources and making the detection signal into images, wherein the light from any one of the ordinary observation light source and the special observation light source is modulated, and the modulated light can be radiated to the observation target together with the light from the other light source, and the detection signal detected by the detection means is separated by the processing unit based on the frequency of the modulation.

Abstract: Methods and devices to quickly and accurately locate the sphenopalatine ganglion (SPG) while performing a sphenopalatine ganglion block procedure that introduces a medication to the SPG. The methods and devices also prevent the medication applied to the SPG from flowing down a patient's throat during the procedure.

Abstract: An endoscope comprises an elongated shaft, a headpiece at a proximal end of the shaft, the headpiece having a housing, at least one light source which is arranged in the shaft in a distal area thereof, and produces lost heat, and a passive cooling which has at least one heat pipe which is arranged in the shaft and is thermally coupled to the at least one light source in order to lead away the lost heat in the proximal direction. The at least one heat pipe extends into the headpiece, and a heat sink body is arranged in the headpiece, to which heat sink body the at least one heat pipe is thermally coupled, and which absorbs the lost heat from the at least one heat pipe and emits the lost heat to the environment directly or via the housing of the headpiece.

Abstract: Embodiments of a laryngoscope blade for being removable mounted to a laryngoscope handle. In some embodiments, the laryngoscope blade may include a blade portion including a proximal end and a distal end provided with an optic window; a base portion including two base halves mounted to each other and to the proximal end of the blade portion such that the proximal end of the blade portion is located between each base half; and an optic light pipe including a proximal end disposed between the two base halves and a distal end extending through the optic window.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods, systems, kits, and devices that aid in the positioning of a direct cardiac compression device about the heart.

Abstract: Systems and methods for measuring a topography of an optical tissue surface of an eye are provided by combining a measured elevation of the surface with a priori information of the surface to provide an estimate of mean and covariance of post-measurement orthogonal polynomial sequence amplitudes associated with the surface, determining a variance of elevation of the surface from the estimate, and constructing the topography from the estimate of mean and covariance of post-measurement amplitudes based on a comparison of the variance of elevation of the surface with a pre-determined threshold. The a priori information includes an estimate of mean and covariance of pre-measurement orthogonal polynomial sequence amplitudes associated with the surface.

Abstract: Embodiments of this invention relate to the generation of wavefronts for measurements, diagnostics, and treatment planning for ophthalmic applications. In some embodiments, a wavefront generator generates light having a uniform wavefront, which is focusable on the retina of an emmetropic eye by the normal function of the emmetropic eye. In some embodiments, the wavefront generator can generate light having a custom wavefront which is not focusable on the retina of the emmetropic eye. In some embodiments, the wavefront generator can receive information relating to an optical aberration of the eye, generate a custom wavefront, and project light having this custom wavefront, which in combination with the optical aberration of the eye is focusable on the retina.

Abstract: A base support arm is provided for an ophthalmic instrument with a moveable optics head. The base support arm is configured so that the support arm must be deployed to stabilize the instrument before the instrument head can be moved sideways in a manner that could otherwise destabilize the instrument. In addition, an angled chin-rest assembly pivot axis is provided that moves the chin-rest assembly from a compactly folded shape into a position that is suitable for supporting the patient's head. The support arm is linked to the chin-rest assembly pivot by a linkage or other mechanism so that movement of the support arm also unfolds the chin-rest assembly and ensures that the chin-rest assembly cannot be unfolded without deploying the support arm.

Abstract: A fundus imaging apparatus comprising: position detection means for detecting a position of a pupil of an eye to be examined; wavefront detection means for detecting a wavefront of return light from the eye irradiated with light through an illumination optical system; correction means for correcting an aberration based on the detected wavefront; and determination means for determining a correction effective region of the correction means based on the detected position.

Abstract: If an intraocular lens is inserted in an eye to be examined, characteristics of the eye to be examined are measured after increasing light intensity of visible light projected onto the eye to be examined to be higher than light intensity at the time of measurement of an eye to be examined in which no intraocular lens is inserted.