Abstract: A device for removing the core of a cucumber, comprising a handle, a coring blade support and a positioning element or shank being operably secured to the handle, and a coring blade. The coring blade support and positioning element may extend a length beyond the coring blade allowing for control of the penetration and depth of cut of the coring blade. The coring blade may be configured as a half-ring with a sharpened edge or otherwise, and the coring blade support and positioning element may be rounded or flat.

Abstract: A conveyor oven includes a controller configured to change the operation of a first set of burners and a second set of burners from a cooking mode to an energy saving mode based at least in part upon detection of the absence of food in the oven chamber. The first set of burners operating at a first intensity during the cooking mode and are off during the energy saving mode. The second set of burners operating at a first intensity during the cooking mode and being adjustable to a different intensity during the energy saving mode, where the second set of burners produce heat during the different intensity.

Abstract: A beverage preparation device for preparing a beverage from an ingredients containing capsule includes a beverage brewing unit for receiving the capsule and preparing the beverage by means of injection of pressurized liquid into the capsule, and beverage dispensing means for dispensing the resulting beverage into a receptacle, wherein beverage brewing unit is designed for passing liquid through the capsule in a direction essentially opposite to gravity. Systems that include the beverage preparation device and methods of producing and using said device are also disclosed.

Abstract: A beverage system for providing a cold beverage is disclosed that includes a water supply unit for providing water, cooling means arranged downstream of the water supply unit 100, dispensing means for dispensing a beverage arranged downstream of the cooling means, valve means arranged downstream of the cooling means and upstream of the dispensing means, and a control module adapted to operate the valve means. A beverage machine that includes the beverage system and methods for using the beverage machine are also disclosed.

Abstract: A coffee capsule is provided, the outer dimensions of which are matched to the size of a filtered-coffee capsule, but which has a separating element that separates an empty area from an extraction-material area. Furthermore, at least one liquid channel is provided, which passes through the empty area for example. The liquid channel or liquid channels and the extraction-material area are designed in such a way that water introduced into the capsule at an injection location or a beverage produced in the capsule substantially does not enter the empty area.

Abstract: There is disclosed an infuser apparatus for a beverage container. In an embodiment, the apparatus comprises: a perforated basket adapted to receive a flavoring agent therein; a compactor unit sized and shaped to slideably fit inside the perforated basket; a screw operatively connected to the compactor unit and adapted to rotate relative to the compactor unit; and a knob operatively connected to the screw to rotate the screw; whereby, in use, turning the knob actuates the compactor unit to move along the length of the screw to compress the flavoring agent received in the perforated basket, thereby to infuse flavor into the beverage container.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus are disclosed for brewing hot beverages, such as African green tea or Ataaya, including using a software-controlled electromechanical teapot to control and direct the beverage through various stages of mixing, boiling, cooling, and dispensing with multiple pumps, while monitoring the appropriate temperatures and time to take various actions or transition to various stages of brewing. In various embodiments, the electrical-electronic teapot includes various indicators such as buzzers, information display, lights, and the like to inform the user of various events and states, such as when the beverage is ready for serving. Additionally, a processor or microcontroller may be utilized in the teapot to run the software that controls the operation of the teapot. In some embodiment, the software is configurable, updatable, and/or changeable to alter the operation of the teapot for improved performance or to change the brewing method for different beverages.

Abstract: A beverage supply device can suppress a decline of a temperature of hot water remaining in a hot-water delivery piping for guiding the hot water pumped up by a pump to a beverage extraction unit without increasing a cost. The beverage supply device with a hot-water tank storing the hot water heated by a built-in heater is provided with the hot-water delivery piping for guiding the hot water pumped up by the pump arranged below the hot-water tank to the beverage extraction unit. The hot-water delivery piping is arranged to pass through the hot-water tank so that the hot water remaining in the hot-water delivery piping during a stand-by time is kept warm at a temperature of the hot water inside the hot-water tank by the hot water inside the hot-water tank.

Abstract: A kitchen appliance includes a first reservoir for receiving a liquid to be used for preparing a beverage. A hot water generator (‘HWG’) has an inlet end, an outlet end and a passageway extending therebetween. The inlet end of the HWG is connected to the first reservoir. Liquid from the first reservoir flows into the HWG through the inlet end. A selector valve is connected to the outlet end of the HWG. At least a portion of the selector valve is movable by a user between a first valve position and a second valve position.

Abstract: Portable beverage preparation devices for preparing a beverage from an ingredients containing capsule are disclosed and include a beverage brewing unit and beverage dispensing means that includes a safety outlet valve. Also disclosed are systems that include the beverage preparation devices and receptacles for use with the beverage preparation devices.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a heat-retaining tray for a pizza, comprising one of a support means and an electricity supply means. The present invention provides a heat-retaining tray comprising: an upper plate having a plurality of protrusions formed such that food is laid on the upper surface of the plurality of protrusions; a side wall integrally formed vertically on the periphery of the upper plate; and a temperature supply unit for raising the temperature of the upper plate.

Abstract: A baking drawer includes an oven cavity and a drawer assembly movable relative to the oven cavity between an extended position, where the drawer assembly is accessible by a user, and a retracted position, where the drawer assembly is located within the oven cavity. The drawer assembly has a bottom wall, two opposing sidewalls and a rear wall. A first vent is formed in the bottom wall, and a second vent is formed in the rear wall. The vents allow air to flow into and out of a ventilated region delineated by the bottom wall, the two sidewalls and the rear wall.

Abstract: A multi-piece removable drain pan for a cooking device such as a grill, the drain pan comprising at least first and second portions, each portion comprising a channel having side walls capable of retaining a liquid therein even when said pan portion is in a tilted orientation, the at least first and second portions abutting each adjacent portion to fit within the cooking cavity of the grill.

Abstract: A device is provided for toasting food products comprising a rectangular-shaped metallic mesh body configured to received and hold a food product during toasting in a toaster. The top of the metallic mesh body is open to receive the food product, and the bottom of the metallic mesh body is a solid metallic platform that prevents pieces of the food product from falling into the interior of the toaster. Extending substantially vertically from the top of the metallic mesh body is a plastic-coated handle for safely manipulating the device. When fully inserted into a toaster slot, the top of the metallic mesh body is flush with the top of the toaster slot, and the handle is outside the toaster slot.

Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatuses for making fryers safer and/or more energy efficient are disclosed. Methods and devices in accordance with the present disclosure generally comprise a cover, having a number of flaps, doors or plates that open upwardly or downwardly to receive a basket. Flaps/doors may be solid, perforated or the like. The cover can be maintained in a suitably rigid closed locked position, for example, by a locking mechanism, preventing the basket(s), body parts, or other items from unintentionally being placed in the fryer. In such embodiments, the cover also prevents the loss of heat from the oil. Alternatively, the cover may be maintained in a closed position, though not necessarily locked, with a primary purpose of preventing heat loss from the oil. In such embodiments, the cover may be vented.

Abstract: Multiple food storage systems are disclosed herein. One food storage system includes a main bowl that defines a first food receiving cavity. A secondary bowl is positioned in the first food receiving cavity and defines a second food receiving cavity. The secondary bowl includes a sidewall containing thermal energy storage material therein. A separate food storage system includes a main lid configured for use with a main bowl that defines a first food receiving cavity. A secondary bowl is positioned at least partially on and/or in the main lid. The secondary bowl includes a sidewall containing thermal energy storage material therein.

Abstract: A food preparation system includes an application operable by a computing device, and a scale configured to support a food preparation container and wirelessly communicate weight information associated with the food preparation container wirelessly to the computing device. The application coordinates the weight information with ingredients of a recipe.

Abstract: A blender includes a base unit having a receiving well, a container assembly and an actuation arrangement. The container assembly includes a container body having a blending cavity and a rim, and a connector member detachably attached on the container body to selectively seal the blending cavity, a driven unit and a blending blade. The actuation arrangement includes a plurality of actuating members outwardly extended from the rim of the container body, a plurality of actuating slots indently and spacedly formed along a side wall of the receiving well, and a plurality of actuating switches. When the connector member is slightly rotated in the receiving well, each of the actuating members is arranged to circumferentially move along the corresponding actuating slot so as to actuate the actuating switches for actuating the driving head to rotate.

Abstract: An apparatus for fluid conditioning of an object and materials located therein. The apparatus comprises a vessel, a perforated carriage insert, and a lid, The vessel further includes a liquid in fluidic communication with the perforated carriage insert. A circulating means is mounted within the vessel and is driven by an external power source.

Abstract: A cover of a processor for fruits and vegetables is connected above a cutter. The cover comprises a cover body and a container. The cover body has a feed tube. The feed tube has an accommodating space running through vertically. A first positioning element is disposed on an outer circumference of the feed tube. The cover body having a water inlet hole through which the accommodating space is in communication with an outside of the cover body. A second positioning element correspondingly connected with the first positioning element disposed on a side of the container, so that the container and the feed tube are connected with each other. A water outlet end is disposed at a bottom of the container for correspondingly being communication with the water inlet hole; thereby, water in the container flows from the water outlet end into the accommodating space through the water inlet hole.

Abstract: A cutting board includes a base tray, a cutting board top, a cutting mat and/or a cutting board, and a bin. The base tray has a first chamber and a second chamber. The cutting board top fits within a complementary shape on top of the base. The cutting mat and/or cutting board is stored in the first chamber under the cutting board top and may be later removed from this chamber and placed on the cutting board top. The bin fits within a complementary-shaped chamber in the base adjacent the cutting board top. In some configurations, the bin may include a lid.

Abstract: A toothbrush storage system for containing fluid dripping from a toothbrush includes a toothbrush. A container is provided and the container has the toothbrush positioned therein. Thus, the container may have a fluid dripping from the toothbrush pass through the container. A pan is removably coupled to the container such that the pan may capture the fluid passing through the container.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for integrated emergency wash systems. Various embodiments include thermostatically controlled mixing valves arranged so as to permit load carrying by the body of the valve. Further, the integrated wash systems are especially suited for use in laboratories and manufacturing settings in which available space is at a premium.

Abstract: A liquid-dispensing system is disclosed. The system includes a container associated with a base, the container and base can be mounted within an enclosure (e.g., a cabinet) or on a ground surface, the container has an inlet and an outlet and is movable relative to the base from a first position to a second, different position to present the inlet for refilling of the container with a liquid. The container can also be fluidly connected with a dispenser through its outlet so that liquid can be dispensed to a user. Methods of refilling the container are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present application discloses liquid dispensers, refill units for liquid dispensers, liquid pumps, lost motion devices, and methods for installing a refill unit and lost motion device. In certain embodiments, a liquid dispenser of the present application comprises a container for holding a liquid, a pump housing connected to the container, a liquid or air chamber, and a piston movable in the liquid or air chamber. A connector is linked to the piston. The connector has a flexible portion for connecting to the piston and an attachment portion for attaching to an actuator of the dispenser. A restrictor is positioned between the flexible portion of the connector and the piston. Movement of the connector a first distance in a first direction results in lost motion between the actuator and the piston and continued movement of the connector a second distance in the first direction moves the piston with the actuator.

Abstract: A two parts shower/hair and body care dryer system that is contained within one installation unit. The shower and drying units are enclosed with durable glass wall and separated with bi-fold glass shower doors between the shower and the drying room. These doors are fold on the wall after showering by the user to access the drying room and to exist the unit. It is uniquely designed for everyone including the physically challenged. Imagine, after showering, having the pleasure of heated flooring in a drying room and a quiet flow of warm air from a built in over head dryer that blows radiating heat, covering ones body from head to toe. The dryer has many air vents that make the drying experience quicker, comforting and relaxing as the user is blown dry, which is un-achievable with the use of towels. The over head dryer also has a detachable hand held dryer for added convenience. The bi-fold glass shower doors decrease the size of the shower room when in use, and increase its size when the dryer is being used.

Abstract: A toilet bowl cover apparatus includes a lid housing having a lower portion and an upper portion extending upwardly from a rear end of the lower portion, the portions together defining a continuous interior channel. A flexible lid member is situated in the interior channel and slidably movable between a retracted configuration substantially in the interior channel of the upper portion and a deployed configuration substantially in the interior channel of the lower portion. A toilet seat is operatively coupled to a top surface of the lid housing and selectively movable between raised and lowered configuration. The lower portion of the lid housing defines an opening complementary to a center opening of the toilet seat and to an open top of the toilet bowl. Therefore, the lid member prevents communication between the toilet bowl and the toilet seat the deployed configuration and allows communication therebetween at the retracted configuration.

Abstract: A magnet wiper for an instrument window includes a group of magnets wherein two or more magnets constitute inside magnets located adjacent to the internal surface of an instrument window, and two or more other magnets constitute outside magnets located adjacent to the external surface of the instrument window. As the outside magnets are moved, the inside magnets move accordingly to manipulate a wiping medium and indirectly clean the internal surface of the instrument window.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner and carrier assembly includes a vacuum cleaner and a carrier. The vacuum cleaner includes a housing having a suction inlet and an air outlet, an airflow passage that extends from the air inlet to the air outlet, and a suction source disposed within the housing and operable to generate a suction airflow that travels through the air inlet and through the air outlet. The vacuum cleaner also includes a battery that supplies power to the suction source to generate the suction airflow. The carrier includes a main body in which at least a portion of the housing is received and a battery receiving portion configured to receive the battery therein when the battery supplies power to the suction source.

Abstract: An autonomous robotic device capable of vacuum cleaning and purifying air includes an autonomous robotic vacuum cleaner for moving autonomously and vacuum cleaning, and an air purifier. The autonomous robotic vacuum cleaner has a power supply and a top surface provided with a plurality of positioning members. The air purifier has an air inlet, an air outlet, and a plurality of matching members at the bottom thereof. The air purifier is detachably disposed on the autonomous robotic vacuum cleaner in a way that the matching members are in contact with the positioning members to create a positioning relationship for positioning the air purifier on the autonomous robotic vacuum cleaner, and an electrical connection to enable the air purifier to receive electric power from the power supply of the autonomous robotic vacuum cleaner.

Abstract: A cleaning robot includes a main body; a plurality of pad assemblies mounted on the bottom of the main body for doing cleaning; a drive assembly for applying drive power for each of the plurality of pad assemblies; and a detection unit for detecting an obstacle. The drive assembly adjusts slopes of the plurality of pad assemblies individually based on the height of the obstacle.

Abstract: A Popcorn Ceiling Texture Removal Debris Collector is a handheld container used to eliminate the mess during a popcorn ceiling texture removal by catching and containing the falling popcorn ceiling texture debris when scraped from the ceiling. The container can be easily emptied/dumped into a plastic trash bag or trash receptacle when full before returning back into use. The container is a rectangular enclosure with four rounded corners and a threaded base that connects to a threaded tip handle by way of screwing the threaded tip of the handle into the threaded base of the container. The container can be easily emptied/dumped into a plastic trash bag or trash receptacle when full before returning back into use.

Abstract: A dishwasher for treating dishes according to an automatic cycle of operation and including a tub at least partially defining a treating chamber, at least one sprayer configured to emit a corresponding spray of liquid into the treating chamber, at least one liquid circuit supplying liquid to the at least one sprayer, a pump having a pump inlet fluidly coupled to the treating chamber and a pump outlet, and a diverter valve controlling a flow of liquid from the pump to the at least one sprayer.

Abstract: A method of dispensing detergent in a dishwasher having a wash tub that includes a fluid reservoir to hold a treating chemistry, a lid operatively mounted to the fluid reservoir, and is configured to move between an open position and a closed position, and a hydraulic actuator is fluidly coupled to a fluid source and configured to initiate movement of the lid between its closed and open positions in response to fluid pressure applied to the actuator by the fluid source.

Abstract: A shoe cleaning system that uses a control system to mix a disinfectant agent with water to form a disinfectant solution, and to spray the disinfectant solution over a rough surface of a basin to clear and disinfect a bottom surface of a shoe, when the shoe being rubbed upon the rough surface of the basin. Various embodiments of each component of the shoe cleaning system is provided herein.

Abstract: A stereo display system using shape from shading algorithm is an image conversion device connected between a monoscopic endoscope and a 3D monitor. The system applies the algorithm which generates a depth map for a 2D image of video frames. The algorithm first calculates a direction of a light source for the 2D image and based upon the information of light distribution and shading for the 2D image to generate the depth map. The depth map is used to calculate another view of the original 2D image by depth image based rendering algorithm in generation of stereoscopic images. After the new view is rendered, the stereo display system also needs to convert the display format of the stereoscopic images for different kinds of 3D displays. Base on this method, it is necessary to replace the whole monoscopic endoscope with a stereo-endoscope system and no modification is required for the monoscopic endoscope.

Abstract: A method is provided for joining at least two components of a medical instrument, the at least two components are held so as to form at least one soldering gap between mutually assigned joining areas of the components, a solder material is arranged for filling the at least one soldering gap, and the arrangement of the at least two components and of the solder material is heated to a soldering temperature of the solder material, wherein the solder material is an iron-based solder. A use of an iron-based solder and a medical instrument, in particular a laryngoscope spatula, are also provided.

Abstract: The invention provides an endoscopic video camera having a polymeric knob assembly, wherein the polymeric material used for manufacturing the knob assembly includes polyphenylsulfone resin, titanium dioxide, tin oxide, and colored metallic additives, is capable of withstanding sterilization, and has a metallic cosmetic appearance. The invention also provides methods of manufacturing the knob assembly by plastic injection molding processes, wherein undesirable molding characteristics are concentrated on portions of the knob assembly that are removed by secondary machining or post machining.

Abstract: The invention provides an endoscopic video camera having a polymeric knob assembly, wherein the polymeric material used for manufacturing the knob assembly includes polyphenylsulfone resin, titanium dioxide, tin oxide, and colored metallic additives, is capable of withstanding sterilization, and has a metallic cosmetic appearance. The invention also provides methods of manufacturing the knob assembly by plastic injection molding processes, wherein undesirable molding characteristics are concentrated on portions of the knob assembly that are removed by secondary machining or post machining.

Abstract: An endoscope includes an imaging unit configured to image a subject and output image data, a moving-image generation unit configured to generate moving-image data from the image data output from the imaging unit, a still-image generation unit configured to generate still-image data from the image data output from the imaging unit, a release instruction unit configured to receive an image-recording instruction from a user, a first wireless communication unit configured to sequentially change a wireless channel to transmit test data and transmit the still-image data to the reception device when the release instruction unit receives the image-recording instruction, a second wireless communication unit configured to transmit the moving-image data to the reception device using a wireless channel different from the wireless channel currently used by the first wireless communication unit, and a first setting unit configured to set a wireless channel determined from communication quality information.

Abstract: In the conduit opening/closing operation, when a conduit opening/closing section having a configuration where an operation lever is protruded to the vicinity of an operating section is disposed to the operating section, the operator him/herself can operate the operation lever without losing his/her hold of the operating section.

Abstract: An endoscopic mucous membrane lifting instrument includes: a cap mounted at a distal end of an insertion portion of an endoscope device; a first wire disposed at the cap and configured to be capable of protruding from an outer circumferential portion of the distal end of the insertion portion toward a direction more distal than the insertion portion and in a direction approaching an extension line of a central line of the insertion portion; a second wire disposed at the cap and be capable of protruding from the outer circumferential portion of the insertion portion along the central line of the insertion portion in the distal direction than the insertion portion; and a wire-manipulating portion configured to independently operate the first wire and the second wire.

Abstract: A connection adapter includes: an adapter housing; a split sleeve; and a spacer having a space determiner disposed inside the split sleeve and an angle determiner that passes through the slit of the split sleeve to be secured relative to the adapter housing. The two connector connection pars are each connected to the connectors, respectively, causing the ferrules of the connectors to be fitted into the split sleeve and secured across the spacer, so that the single mode optical fibers of the connectors are optically connected to each other via no point of contact therebetween, to thereby provide a connection adapter capable of creating stable connection efficiency for optical fibers and an endoscope device using the connection adapter.

Abstract: A disposable sheath device for use with an endoscope is disclosed. The endoscope has a body with an insertion tube having optics at its distal end. The disposable sheath device has a primary lumen and at least one secondary lumen attached to the primary lumen along a length of the lumen. The primary lumen is for covering and protecting the insertion tube from bodily contamination. The secondary lumen is for accommodating a desired tool. The secondary lumen has an insert substantially commensurate in length to the secondary lumen and the insert has a slit longitudinally along its length. The slit permits radial expansion to accommodate tools having a radius larger than that of the secondary lumen, which preferably is made of a flexible material that expands. A connector is attached to the proximal end of the primary lumen and connects to he body of the endoscope. The connector extends longitudinally to accommodate different length insertion tubes.

Abstract: A single-use electronic endoscope has a hub, a shaft extending from the hub, flexible or rigid as desired, and an expandable distal tip extending from the shaft. Within the distal tip, an image sensor provides a field of view external from the endoscope. Illuminating elements or light guides within the distal tip emit light to illuminate the field of view. The distal tip also has a variable profile working channel that permits tools to be passed from the hub and into the field of view. The expandable working channel changes cross-sectional shape from a generally noncircular shape to a shape to accommodate the cross-sectional shape of the tool when expanded.

Abstract: An endoscopic processor includes a video signal input unit to which a video signal of an image of a subject is input, a release signal input unit to which a release signal performed by a user is input, a target area detector that detects a target area in which an amount of characteristics is greater than a predetermined threshold with respect to each frame image in the input video signal, a zoom processor that generates an enlarged image of the target area detected by the target area detector, a storage that associates and holds the enlarged image generated by the zoom processor and a frame image from which the target area has been detected, and an output unit that externally outputs, from the storage, the frame image that corresponds to a timing at which the release signal was input to the release signal input unit, and the enlarged image.

Abstract: An image pickup unit includes: a circuit substrate electrically connected with an image pickup device that detects an image of an object, the circuit substrate including a land at least on a surface thereof; a connecting member having conductivity and fixed to the circuit substrate; a wiring connecting portion provided on the connecting member; a substrate connecting portion extended bent from a side portion of the wiring connecting portion, and electrically connected to a land; and a wiring configured to be connected to the wiring connecting portion and electrically connected to the land through the connecting member.

Abstract: A stereoscopic endoscope system for concurrently imaging at both visible and NIR wavelengths includes an endoscope operable to transmit both visible and NIR wavelengths and a light source operable to generate visible light and NIR excitation light. An intensity of the visible light is independent of an intensity of the NIR excitation light. The stereoscopic endoscope system also includes a stereoscopic camera having a single image sensor operable to detect a left eye image or a right eye image at both visible and NIR wavelengths, a controller coupled to the light source and the stereoscopic camera, and a display device operable to be viewed using stereoscopic spectacles.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides apparatuses and methods for color imaging and an increased field of view using spectrally encoded endoscopy techniques. At least one of the apparatuses includes an illumination unit having two or more spectrally dispersive gratings positioned, for example, on different planes or on the same plane but having grating vectors at an angle to each other such that bands of spectrally dispersed light propagating from the gratings propagate on different planes.

Abstract: An endoscope includes: a first fiber provided with a first flat surface from which illuminating light is emitted; a pipe including a through hole to which a distal end portion of the first fiber is fixed and including a first surface that can be a flat surface identical to the first flat surface and a second surface which is a flat surface orthogonal to a central axis of the through hole; and a distal end component in which a stopper hole in which an end portion on the distal end side of the pipe is disposed is formed, the stopper hole including an abutting surface on which at least part of the second surface of the pipe abuts, on a bottom side, a concave portion which constitutes for obtaining a predetermined light distribution and is located closer to the front end side than the abutting surface.