Abstract: Protective assemblies for zippers described may include a protective barrier for preventing migration of particles and/or organisms between opposite surfaces of the barrier. When a zipper assembly is brought to a closed position, a zipper slider may form a connection with the barrier resulting in an obstruction to block infiltration of small particles or organisms (e.g., bed bugs, allergens, dust mites, small particles, etc.). The barrier may be attached to an article, such as a padded material for use with a bedding/furniture cover. In some embodiments, a cover may be implemented to enclose a portion of the zipper slider. The barrier may include one or more padding materials for preventing migration of small particles or organisms past obstructions formed by the padding material(s).

Abstract: An apparatus includes a seat flap for supporting a baby's buttocks and thighs. The seat flap has a top edge, a bottom edge having a shorter length than a length of the top edge and generally curved side edges. A first strap is joined to a first corner of the top edge for adjustably joining to an upper portion of a baby carrier. A second strap is joined to a second corner of the top edge for adjustably joining to the upper portion. Attachments adjustably join the bottom edge about a lower portion of the baby carrier, wherein the baby sits upright, the baby's legs protrude about the generally curved side edges and are supported at least ninety degrees from the lower portion.

Abstract: The invention relates to a restaurant system, and a method relating thereto, including a first transport section, and a second transport section. The second transport section is located upstream of the first transport section in a provided transport direction of the food and/or drinks. The second transport section has an elevator, which is designed to transport the food and/or drinks into a position, which is located at a higher point as compared to the guest area.

Abstract: The invention relates to an article comprising a substrate and a nano-porous coating, wherein the reflectivity of the article is less then 2%, and whereby the amount of sodium measured in the coating by XPS is less then 1 wt %, and further to a method of making the article.

Abstract: An image display including an image substrate and a support structure. The image substrate has an image printed on a first surface. The support structure can include a front sheet and a plurality of side strips extending from the front sheet. The image substrate can be adhered to an external surface of the front sheet so that the front sheet forms a rigid backing for the image substrate. A variety of image substrates are provided.

Abstract: A patterned fabric with an image pattern includes: a fabric sheet having opposite first and second surfaces and a plurality of pores extending through the first and second surfaces, each of the pores being defined by a pore-defining wall; and a plastic film bonded to the first surface of the fabric sheet and having opposite first and second faces and an image pattern formed on the first face. The plastic film is perforated to form a plurality of through-holes extending through the first and second faces. Each of the through-holes is defined by a hole-defining wall. The hole-defining wall of each of the through-holes extends into a respective one of the pores and wraps around and is bonded to at least a portion of the pore-defining wall of the respective one of the pores.

Abstract: A mattress cover includes a securing belt about its skirt to aid in engaging and fixing the skirt to a mattress, thereby minimizing the tendency of a skirt to migrate upward on the mattress during use. The belt may be attached to the skirt by means of a sleeve extending the length of the skirt, lacing, belt loop structures, an integrated channel, Velcro® or similar devices. The belt may be adjusted by means of a buckle, a knot or other similar devices.

Abstract: A food storage system including a secondary bowl that is adapted to be positioned at least partially on and/or in a main lid. The secondary bowl is adapted to be detachable from the main lid.

Abstract: A color changing container apparatus is disclosed. The color changing container apparatus includes a container having an open top, a bottom and a side, and constructed from a material such that at least a part of the container transmits light there-through; and at least one light emitting device attachable to the container to direct light through the container when the container is connected to the at least one light emitting device and providing at least one light color to illuminate the container.

Abstract: Food product stabilization systems employing features to stabilize upright food wares that are subject to tipping, crumbling and/or being damaged during transport or storage. Freestanding upright food wares may have exposed edges requiring some form of protection to reduce and/or prevent unwanted surface deterioration, crumbling, tilting, sliding, collapsing and/or damage resulting from transportation and/or storage. Varieties of food containers are disposed around upright food wares as a general means of protecting against humidity, oxidation and/or contaminates from an outside environment. In cases where upright food wares are dissimilarly shaped or sized disproportionately to food containers, unwanted surface deterioration, crumbling, sliding, spillage or damage may occur.

Abstract: Steam heating used with conventional heating techniques achieves a rapid boiling point. An intelligent electronic control system which uses sensors placed at various points in the system to monitor and/or control cooking, interacts with the Internet to determine cooking steps, powers embedded electronics in vessels by RF energy, and adjusts the heating temperatures of the contents of the vessel as a function of time. A stove will provide configurable tubes with a coupling unit at their end to attach various steam wands easily moved into position that provide this steam to vessels placed on a grill. Delicate cooking of comestibles can be achieved by maintaining a controlled temperature or cycling the temperature to maximize cooking without losing significant nutrients of the comestibles. Small coupling holes introduce steam at the bottom surface of a vessel to efficiently cook comestibles. The coupling holes have a radius which stratifies the Young-Laplace equation.

Abstract: One embodiment of the invention relates to apparatus (10) for roasting coffee beans, the apparatus comprising: a chamber (12) in which a supply of coffee beans can be received for roasting; means (15) for heating air; and means (20) for driving heated air into the chamber (12) for roasting coffee beans received therein; wherein the air driving means (20) and chamber (12) are configured and arranged so that coffee beans located in the chamber (12) circulate generally horizontally about the periphery of the chamber (12) when the air driving means (20) drives heated air into the chamber (12).

Abstract: A system that generates brewed beverages may receive requests to produce specified brewed beverages. The system may include a scheduler that initiates and controls the performance of one or more chemical or mechanical processes to produce the beverages. While one chemical or mechanical process for producing a beverage is being performed, other processes may be performed for production of the beverage or another beverage. The scheduler may determine the time at which to perform each process, the time at which a beverage should be presented, the resources to be used to perform the processes, or the time at which to perform a cleaning process, dependent on an actual or expected demand for beverages, or dependent on a target time for beverage retrieval. Shared resources may be applied to the production of beverages for high priority orders, while partially completed beverages for lower priority orders are staged for subsequent advancement.

Abstract: A beverage producing apparatus and method are provided for producing a beverage, using an identification label of a beverage substance cartridge.

Abstract: A roller grill includes a housing structure adapted to support the roller grill; a plurality of tubular heating surfaces mounted between a first end of the housing structure and a second end of the housing structure; a first side housing coupled to the first end of the housing structure; a second side housing coupled to the second end of the housing structure, at least one of the first side housing or the second housing including a pressurized plenum maintainable at a plenum air pressure that is greater than a tubular air pressure of an inner volume of the plurality of tubular heating surfaces; and a drive assembly at least partially enclosed in the first side housing or the second side housing, the drive assembly configured to rotatably drive the plurality of tubular heating surfaces.

Abstract: A dual purpose, single use wood grill brush for cleaning a grilling surface and thereafter providing a flavor enhancing smoke. The device is a thin sheet of wood selected for the flavor enhancing characteristics of the smoke therefrom when slowly burned, which sheet is desirably soaked in water to make the wood flexible so that it may be manually used to clean the grilling surface prior to grilling, and then deposited on the heat source where it smokes rather than flames because of the absorbed water content. Exposing the food being grilled to such smoke during the grilling process provide a unique flavor to the food. One embodiment of the device includes a flat edge on one end and a plurality of longitudinally extending fingers at the other end, both useful in the cleaning process. Other embodiments of the device specifically for grilling surfaces with spaced parallel rods include a thin sheet of wood with notches for selectively cleaning the entire surface of the rods. Methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A coffee grinding machine includes a base, a motor and a grinding device. The motor is mounted in the base. The base has a top face provided with a platform for mounting the grinding device. The grinding device includes an outer cutter and an inner cutter. A bearing is mounted on the outer cutter to drive the outer cutter so that the outer cutter is rotated above the inner cutter to grind the falling coffee beans into coffee powders. Thus, the coffee powders fall down vertically and will not remain in the grinding device.

Abstract: A blending apparatus is provided which includes a container defining a cavity having a center axis and a substantially rectangular cross section through the center axis. The blending apparatus further includes a lid to cover the cavity defined by the container, and an attachment to fit within the cavity and rotate about the center axis of the cavity. In some arrangements, a set of sides of the container defines (i) a substantially octagonal interior cross section through the center axis at a location adjacent a bottom of the container to prevent lodging of food products at the bottom of the container when the attachment rotates within the cavity; and (ii) a substantially square interior cross section through the center axis at a location further from the bottom of the container.

Abstract: A bathtub includes a base attached to a container. The base is movable between a collapsed position with respect to the container and a deployed position with respect to the container to support the container at an elevated location with respect to a support surface, and the container is movable between a collapsed position with respect to the base and a deployed position with respect to the base to form an open tub to receive a child to be bathed.

Abstract: A kit for the repair of a tub or shower includes an inlay comprising a PVC thermoplastic and a one-part adhesive comprising an polyurethane-modified functional compound. A method for repairing a tub or shower use the kit to apply adhesive the inlay to secure it to the tub or shower floor. A preferred adhesive for use with the kit and the method exhibits excellent adhesion to many substrates including porcelain, steel, fiberglass and many plastics. Preferably, the adhesive cures fast, even at low temperatures, contains no solvents or isocyanates and is non-yellowing.

Abstract: A shower pan provides a shower floor adjoining a surrounding bathroom floor with no raised lip, curb or other obstruction between the two. This allows easy wheeled access for the disabled and comprises a drain plate in combination with an underlayment, which provide a gradual slope from a surrounding floor to a drain and supported on unmodified joists with upper surfaces in the same plane as surrounding bathroom floor joists.

Abstract: The invention disclosed is an appliance which, when attached as an accessory to a heavy-duty vacuum cleaning unit such as may be used in industrial applications, as well as in professional and home workshop environments, attenuates exhaust port turbulence on such machines, providing an overall cleaner and safer work environment.

Abstract: An all in the head surface cleaning apparatus may include a surface cleaning head and a drive handle. The surface cleaning head may include a front end, a rear end, first and second laterally opposed sidewalls and a drive handle mounting hub positioned rearward of the rear end. The drive handle may be moveably mounted to the mounting hub between a storage position and an inclined floor cleaning position. The surface cleaning head may include a brush motor drivingly connected to a moveable brushing member. The brush motor may have a brush motor axis. The surface cleaning head may include a cyclone assembly having a cyclone chamber and a dirt collection chamber. The cyclone may have a longitudinal cyclone axis. The surface cleaning head may include a suction motor having a first end, a second end and a suction motor axis extending between the first and second ends.

Abstract: A portable surface cleaning apparatus is removably mounted from a wheeled base. The portable surface cleaning apparatus is provided with an energy storage member and a suction motor.

Abstract: Described are swivel systems and swivel assemblies for connecting a vacuum appliance to a vacuum accessory. The assemblies can include first and second arcuate members that each includes a tab and a receiving section so the latter can receive the other member's tab. The assembly can be adapted to be coupled to the accessory to permit the appliance to pivot relative to the accessory about two independent axes. The swivel system can include a vacuum adapter and a connector adapted to permit the vacuum adapter to pivot about a vacuum accessory. A plenum chamber can be formed in the adapter that is in fluid communication with one or more vacuum hoses to balance the airflow within the adapter. With the swivel systems and assemblies described herein, the versatility and efficiency of vacuum appliances and other tools can be improved through their multi-axes rotational capabilities and balanced airflow configurations.

Abstract: A mobile floor cleaning machine is provided having an integrated floor cleaning tool. In order to provide a floor cleaning machine of this kind with improved handling capability, the floor cleaning machine can include an accessory retainer for cleaning accessories, which has at least one accommodating part, which is fastened to the floor cleaning machine, and at least one retaining part, which can be connected to the accommodating part, for retaining the cleaning accessories.

Abstract: A rich air sprayer of sanitary ware has a base, the base is disposed with at least two waterways; each waterway includes an inlet hole, a mutation cavity connected to the inlet hole and an air inlet hole connected to the mutation cavity, the flow area of the inlet hole is smaller than that of the mutation cavity, negative pressure is generated inside the mutation cavity when the water flows from the inlet hole into the mutation cavity, the negative pressure makes the mutation cavity suck air from the outside of the sprayer through the air inlet hole, the air and the water are mixed to form bubbles; the outlets of the mutation cavities intersect or the tangents of the outlets of the mutation cavities intersect, making the water flowing out of the outlets of the mutation cavities collide to enhance the granular sensation.

Abstract: One embodiment provides a dishwashing apparatus having a utensil rack including a configurable rack layout, and a first rack layout adjustment device coupled to the utensil rack for configuring the rack layout.

Abstract: Plural predetermined examination parts of a patient are imaged sequentially and still images of the respective examination parts are thereby acquired by inserting an endoscope insertion unit having an imaging optical system in its tip portion into the body cavity of the patient. To this end, the number of still images taken is counted every time one of the predetermined examination parts. The counted number of still images taken is compared with a preset number of images which corresponds to the number of the plural predetermined examination parts. An alert is generated when non-coincidence is detected between the counted number of still images taken and the preset number. The operator is thus notified of occurrence of a failure to image.

Abstract: A first signal ratio (?log(B/G)) between a B image signal and a G image signal is calculated. A second signal ratio (?log(G/R)) between the G image signal and an R image signal is calculated. A difference between first and second signal ratios in a first area and first and second signal ratios in a second area is increased to enhance a color difference between normal mucosa and an abnormal region (an atrophic mucosal region and a deep blood vessel region). An image after enhancing the color difference is displayed on a monitor.

Abstract: Systems and methods for viewing stereoscopic video images are disclosed. One system comprises a first video camera configured to generate a first video feed of a subject. A second video camera is spaced a pupilary distance from the first video camera and configured to generate a second video feed of the subject. A tracking module associated with the first video camera and the second video camera is configured to cause the first video camera and the second video camera to be directed to a desired convergent point relative to a selected tracking point to maintain stereopsis. A zooming module associated with the first video camera and the second video camera is configured to provide a desired magnification of the near real-time stereoscopic video image.

Abstract: An endoscope using depth information and a method for detecting a polyp based on the endoscope using the depth information are provided. The endoscope using the depth information may generate an irradiated light signal including a visible light, obtain depth information based on the irradiated light signal and a reflected light signal obtained through the irradiated light signal being reflected off of an intestine wall, generate a depth image inside the intestine wall based on the depth information, and detect a polyp located on the intestine wall based on the depth image.

Abstract: An endoscope including a lens barrel in which a partial region including at least a distal end is inserted inside a body cavity of a person under measurement, an imaging module is provided in the distal end of the lens barrel, and the imaging module having at least one pair of image sensors arranged in parallel at a mutually prescribed distance are described. The imaging module may be switched between a storage state in which the imaging module is stored within the lens barrel in a manner that an extension direction of imaging surfaces of the image sensors becomes a direction along a first direction, and a photographing state in which the imaging module is projected outside of the lens barrel in a manner that the extension direction of the imaging surfaces of the image sensors becomes a direction along a second direction.

Abstract: A method for suture lacing includes providing a suture with a needle attached thereto, inserting the needle and suture into an organ through a passageway, throwing a single stitch through a first tissue member, throwing a single stitch through an opposed and spaced apart second tissue member, repeating the preceding step at least once, bringing the first and second tissue members in contact by tensioning the suture, whereby suture drag is minimized during the tensioning and even tissue compression substantially achieved, and securing the suture.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include a method and system for displaying an in vivo imaging procedure. The method includes receiving real-time image data captured by the capsule, and continuously generating an updated summarized color bar, said color bar comprising color strips and time scale marks. The color bar is calculated based on color values of received image data, and is updated continuously as new image data is received. The displayed time period is periodically updated, for example based on predetermined fixed time intervals, based on varying time intervals, or based on an accumulated amount of received image data. Other methods of determining the periodic updates may be used.

Abstract: An endoscope apparatus has an illuminating unit that performs illumination with a first light once and performs illumination with a second light a plurality of times within a predetermined time period, an image pickup unit that outputs a first image pickup signal based on the illumination with the first light and a second image pickup signal based on the illumination with the second light, a clipping processing unit that clips the first and the second image pickup signals, a brightness calculating unit that calculates a first brightness, a composite ratio calculating unit that calculates a composite ratio according to a brightness target value and the first brightness, a composite processing unit that combines the first and the second image pickup signals according to the composite ratio, and a setting unit that sets a clip level according to the composite ratio.

Abstract: An embodiment in accordance with the present invention provides a scope lens cleaning system disposed within a trocar shaft to allow the surgeon to clean the scope lens without losing orientation of the operative field. The lens cleaning system is configured to remove solid debris, liquid, and condensation from the scope lens. The cleaning system includes a first cleaning component configured to remove the solid debris from the scope lens. A second cleaning component is configured to remove the liquid and condensation from the scope lens. A third cleaning component wicks the solid debris and liquid away from the cleaning components and the scope lens and allows it to fall out the end of the trocar shaft. The cleaning system minimizes distraction during the surgical procedure to improve efficiency and safety.

Abstract: A device for helping maintain a mouth of a patient in an open position during a dental procedure may include a tooth engaging portion including at least one groove for accepting at least one lower tooth of the patient's lower jaw, an extension portion that extends away from the tooth engaging portion, and a handle that extends down from the extension portion and ends in a caudal end. The caudal end of the handle and the groove of the tooth engaging portion lie along a longitudinal axis drawn through a center of the groove.

Abstract: Systems and methods for assessing glaucoma loss using optical coherence topography. One method according to an aspect comprises receiving optical coherence image data and assessing functional glaucoma damage from retinal optical coherence image data. In an aspect, the systems and methods can map regions and layers of the eye to determine structural characteristics to compare to functional characteristics.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein include devices, systems, and methods for determining tear film break-up time and for detecting eyelid margin contact and blink rates, particularly for diagnosing, measuring, and/or analyzing dry eye conditions and symptoms. The apparatus and methods for determining tear film break-up time and for detecting eyelid margin contact and blink rates, particularly for diagnosing, measuring, and/or analyzing dry eye conditions and symptoms may employ ocular surface interferometry (OSI) devices or other imaging and display devices capable of imaging and displaying a picture of a patient's eye during tear film break-up time and blink rate related procedures.

Abstract: An optical system (120) for detecting optical aberrations of light from an object (101), the optical system comprising: a reference light-source (102) providing collimated reference light; an optical element (212) configured to focus at least one collimated light beam incident on the optical element (212) to a plurality of focal points in a conjugate object plane (214), the optical element (212) being arranged in an optical path between the reference light-source (102) and the object (101) for transmitting a plurality of reference light beams towards the object (101); and a wavefront sensor (112) configured to detect a property indicative of an optical aberration of light incident on the wavefront sensor; wherein the optical element (212) is further arranged to transmit a plurality of reflected guide star light beams resulting from reflection of the reference light beams at the object (101) towards the wavefront sensor (112).

Abstract: Systems and methods are presented which allow the detection of the presence, type, and misalignment of optical components in the optical train of an optical coherence tomographic instrument to be determined from the use of OCT depth information.

Abstract: Examples of methods and apparatus for an accurate measurement of the anterior surface of the eye including the corneal and scleral regions are disclosed. The measurements provide a three-dimensional map of the surface which can be used for a variety of ophthalmic and optometric applications from astigmatism and keratoconus diagnostics to scleral lens fitting.

Abstract: A fundus observation apparatus according to an embodiment comprises: a photographing part that photographs the fundus of a subject eye; a forming part comprising an optical system that irradiates signal light onto the fundus and interferes reflected light of the signal light from the fundus with reference light via a reference path and detects the resulting interference light, wherein the forming part forms a tomographic image of the fundus based on the detection result; and an analyzing part that analyzes a photographed image of the fundus from the photographing part to delete predetermined low-frequency components from the photographed image.

Abstract: Disclosed is a device for measuring ocular refraction and a geometric-morphological parameter of an individual, including: a gaze-stimulating target placed so as to stimulate the gaze of the individual in a posture associated with a proximity value and a sight axis; an illuminating system able to generate at least one illuminating beam in the direction of the eyes of the individual; an image-capturing system; and a computer able to receive at least one first image captured by the image-capturing system. According to the invention, the image-capturing system is able to acquire an image of part of the face surrounding the eyes of the individual, and the computer is able to extract, from the acquired image, a first measurement of a glazing parameter and a first measurement of objective ocular refraction by refraction of the illuminating beam on the eyes of the individual in the given posture.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided to display discrete conduction timing values of layers of the ventricles. Electrical impulses are detected using two or more electrodes placed proximate to a beating heart and are converted to an ECG waveform for each heartbeat of the beating heart. One or more subwaveforms within Q, R, S, and T waveforms of the ECG waveform for each heartbeat or in an interval between the Q, R, S, and T waveforms are detected that represent the depolarization or repolarization of anatomically distinct layers of the ventricles of the beating heart. A conduction timing value is calculated for each of the one or more subwaveforms for each electrode of the two or more electrodes for each heartbeat of the beating heart. At least one conduction timing value is displayed for at least one subwaveform for each electrode for at least one heartbeat of the beating heart.

Abstract: Physiological monitoring can be provided through a wearable monitor that includes a flexible extended wear electrode patch and a removable reusable monitor recorder. The wearable monitor sits centrally on the patient's chest along the sternum, which significantly improves the ability to sense cutaneously cardiac electric signals, particularly those generated by the atrium. The electrode patch is shaped to fit comfortably and conformal to the contours of the chest approximately centered on the sternal midline. To counter the dislodgment due to compressional and torsional forces, non-irritating adhesive is provided on the underside, or contact, surface of the electrode patch, but only on the distal and proximal ends.

Abstract: A method for preventing dozing off, comprising the steps of: a measurement step measuring human heartbeats; a decision step (S4 to S8) generating a trigger, hereinafter referred to as a “drowsiness trigger”, for indicating occurrence of drowsiness when a state in which a time interval between adjacent heartbeats, hereinafter referred to as a “heartbeat interval”, is longer than the previous heartbeat interval consecutively occurs; and a warning step (S9) giving a warning to prevent dozing off when the drowsiness trigger is generated.

Abstract: Elicited MRI signals are processed into MR image data in conjunction (a) with use of an initial spatially-selective RF tag pulse (tag-on) and (b) without use of an initial spatially-selective NMR RF tag pulse (tag-off) in respectively corresponding data acquisition subsequences. Multi-dimensional tag-on and tag-off data acquisition subsequences are used for each of plural time-to-inversion (TI) intervals without using an injected contrast agent. Acquired image data sets are subtracted for each TI interval to produce difference values as a function of time representing blood perfusion for the ROI that differentiates between normal, ischemic and infarct tissues.

Abstract: A temporary implantable medical device lead includes a connector configured to connect the lead to an external control module. A helically coiled conductor includes a proximal end that is mechanically and electrically connected to the connector. The conductor includes a plurality of insulated filars. An insulative layer is removed from an uninsulated portion of each of the filars near a distal end of the conductor. The uninsulated portion of each of the filars is exposed at an outer surface of the conductor such that the exposed uninsulated portions of the filars define a plurality of electrodes at longitudinally spaced sections near the distal end of the conductor.