Abstract: The invention described herein is directed to a spiral cutting attachment and more generally to a food cutting assembly that is configured to fit inside most standard food processing machines to not only substitute standalone blades but also to provide a catch bowl for the processed or cut food that is easily removable from the main food processing bowl or jar. In one particular embodiment, the food cutting assembly is configured to generate spiral or helical food from vegetables.

Abstract: Apparatus for mixing culinary ingredients including a container with a lid and mixer with fingers are disclosed. Methods of mixing culinary ingredients using apparatus are also disclosed.

Abstract: A pan for a vertical rotisserie is disclosed. The pan includes a pan body having a semicircle portion and a crescent portion, a handle, and a weight measurement device. The pan body has a second open end defining a pan profile. Advantageously, the pan of the present disclosure allows a cook to, simultaneously, shave portions of meat from the rotisserie while weighing the amount of meat collected in the pan. A pan of the present disclosure allows a shaving step and a weighing step to be completed simultaneously, thereby saving significant time and providing an easier process for a cook to accomplish such tasks.

Abstract: The invention relates to a mixing container, which includes an internally cylindrical container (1) with a lid element (2) that is closeable at the top, and an internally axially movably arranged mixing element (3). In that regard, the invention is characterized in that the mixing element (3) includes at least two snail-shaped spiral parts (4, 5) with at least one screw-shaped spiral part (6) arranged axially therebetween, which consists of at least one one-piece wire coil (20), and, by its snail-shaped (4, 5) and/or screw-shaped spiral parts (6), is adapted externally to the inner diameter of the container (1) while maintaining a small sliding gap (7), wherein the mixing element (3) comprises an axial length of at least ¼ to at most ? of the container interior space (8).

Abstract: A spatula is disclosed that is used to implement a food preparation method having the object of forming a roll of ice-cream, in which a quantity of food product in liquid or creamy state, consisting of a basic preparation for ice-cream, is spread on a controlled cooling plane at a temperature of about ?18° C., to form in a few seconds a layer of ice-cream, changed into solid or pasty state, which is subsequently scraped away by the spatula, the latter having an upper side from which a protrusion emerges that, during scraping, meets the scraped-away ice-cream and deflects the ice-cream, promoting the rolling up thereof.

Abstract: A completely self-contained baby bidet and changing table system that is completely portable and is adapted for use in domestic or commercial environments. A cabinet structure has a washing basin with a drain tube connecting the washing basin with a removable waste water tank. A removable clean water reservoir is located within the cabinet and has a pump, heater, water supply hose and spray nozzle for delivery of clean and heated water spray to the body of an infant. Padded, waterproof mats support the infant so that water used for washing is drained into the washing basin and is then conducted to the waste water tank by a drain tube.

Abstract: A fluid dispenser having a housing and a cover removably coupled to the housing with the cover having a right cover side wall and a left cover side wall secured together spaced laterally from each other and in which the cover side walls are resilient and deflectable laterally away from each other for disengagement of the cover from the housing.

Abstract: A tamper-proof and ligation-resistant apparatus for dispensing a liquid from a liquid container contained within a dispenser. The apparatus includes a back housing, a cover pivotally coupled to the back housing, a liquid cartridge coupled to the back housing, and an actuator coupled to the cover. The apparatus includes plates coupled to the cover and back housing to strength the apparatus or reduce gaps to prevent ligation. The actuator includes a dispensing hole small enough to prevent ligation. A pump nozzle insert compressibly fitted inside the pump nozzle reduces the liquid stream diameter and extends the pump nozzle so that the liquid stream passes through the dispensing hole unimpeded.

Abstract: A personal care accessory support system is provided with a rail with at least one fastener configuration to fasten the rail to an upright support surface. A plurality of receptacles is formed in the rail. At least two accessory holders are provided. Each of the at least two accessory holders is provided with a base to receive and support an accessory. A retainer is sized to extend over the rail in a horizontal orientation of the rail to mount and support the accessory holder on the rail. The retainer is also sized to extend into one of the plurality of receptacles in a vertical orientation of the rail to mount and support the accessory holder on the rail.

Abstract: A washcloth for washing and exfoliating the body. The washcloth comprises a fabric base panel, a pocket panel coupled to the fabric base panel, including a closure and providing a receptacle for receiving soap, an exfoliating material coupled to the washcloth in a location exposed to enable the exfoliating material to exfoliate the skin of the body when drawn over the skin, a first flexible handle coupled to the fabric base panel at a perimeter of the fabric base panel, and a second flexible handle coupled to the fabric base panel at the perimeter of the fabric base panel opposite the first flexible handle.

Abstract: A paper toweling dispenser apparatus including damping structure for taking up over-spin slack, including a pivoting paper guide pivotally connected to a fixed paper guide by springs which operate in sequential stages during paper toweling dispensing.

Abstract: A paper towel dispenser for dispensing paper towels from a continuous roll of paper towels includes a dispensing body configured to dispense paper towels. The dispensing body has an upstream inlet configured to receive the paper towels and a downstream outlet configured to dispense the paper towel. The dispensing body defines a cutout that extends between the upstream inlet and the downstream outlet through which the paper towels are moved to load the paper towels into the dispensing body. The dispenser includes a closure device configured to be received in the cutout and restrain the paper towels in the dispensing body.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an apparatus for automatically dispensing air, for example, for hand drying, through either a dedicated air only spout (side mount embodiment) or through a multi-use spout configured for dispensing water, soap and/or air. The air drying module, which is typically positioned below a counter, can be modified according to the system needs to operate with hot and/or cold air and to optionally include a filter and/or fragrance dispenser.

Abstract: A small portable handheld vacuum device for cleaning hard to reach places includes a housing that has a wall, a first end and a second end that define an interior space within the housing. The second end is open and reduced. A cap is coupled to the first end. A partition, positioned in the interior space of the housing, is coupled to the wall and defines a compartment within the housing. A motor and a power module, operationally coupled to each other, are coupled to and positioned in the compartment. The motor has a shaft end that extends through the partition. A fan is coupled to the shaft end. A screen is coupled to the wall between the fan and the second end and defines a chamber within the housing. A plurality of outlets is positioned in the wall of the housing between the partition and the screen.

Abstract: A mobile robot system is provided that includes a docking station having at least two pose-defining fiducial markers. The pose-defining fiducial markers have a predetermined spatial relationship with respect to one another and/or to a reference point on the docking station such that a docking path to the base station can be determined from one or more observations of the at least two pose-defining fiducial markers. A mobile robot in the system includes a pose sensor assembly. A controller is located on the chassis and is configured to analyze an output signal from the pose sensor assembly. The controller is configured to determine a docking station pose, to locate the docking station pose on a map of a surface traversed by the mobile robot and to path plan a docking trajectory.

Abstract: A scrubbing device with a protective handle is disclosed by this invention. The protective handle protects the fingernails, knuckles and digits of a user during use. The protective handle is flexible and malleable. The user grips the protective handle and rolls it over their fingernails, digits, upper knuckles and lower knuckles and tucks their thumb either behind or in front of the handle. The protective handle then protects the user's fingernails, knuckles and digits during use. The scrubbing device with a protective handle may have a protective pad or a protective coating. The scrubbing device with a protective handle may have an attached scouring accessory. Or, the scrubbing device with a protective handle may have a protective pad or a protective coating and an attached scouring accessory.

Abstract: A portable reusable anti-microbial cleaning apparatus is provided, the apparatus comprising: a sponge; and a cloth that at least partially encloses the sponge, wherein the cloth includes a silver material. In some embodiments: the silver material is in the form of silver threads; the silver material is a non-silver thread that is impregnated with silver; the silver material is in the form of a silver plating on a conductive material; the cloth is in the shape of a sleeve; and the sponge includes a silver infusion.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatuses for guiding a user through an interaction with a dishwasher user interface are provided. For example, in one embodiment a method for operating a dishwasher, wherein the dishwasher comprises a tub for receiving dishware, a door configured to enclose the tub, and a user interface comprising one or more control elements, is provided. The method comprises receiving, by the user interface, user selection of at least one of the control elements. In response to receiving the user selection of at least one of the one or more control elements, a controller initiates one or more close door indicators and a countdown timer. The method further comprises determining if the door is closed before a time period of the countdown timer expired. In response to determining that the door was closed before the time period of the countdown timer expired, a wash cycle is started or resumed.

Abstract: Provided are systems, methods, and apparatus for spraying water in a dishwasher. A dishwasher may include a wash chamber and at least one dish rack. The dishwasher may include a water inlet selectively connected to a dish spray device, which may connect a dish spray conduit with the wash chamber. The dish spray device may be oriented towards the at least one dish rack, such that the spray device may be configured to direct water onto the dishes for washing. The water inlet may be selectively connected to a fill device, which may connect the fill conduit with the wash chamber. The fill device may be configured to provide water to the circulation assembly without impinging the at least one dish rack. The one or more valves may selectively direct water from the water inlet to one or both of the dish spray device and the fill device.

Abstract: A method, system, and computer-program product for preventing overfilling in a dishwasher are disclosed herein. According to one embodiment, a method for preventing overfilling in a dishwasher is provided, wherein the dishwasher includes a water valve for providing water to the dishwasher and a drain pump for removing water from the dishwasher. The method comprises detecting an overfill condition in the dishwasher with at least one detection device, wherein the overfill condition corresponds to a water level in the dishwasher that is greater than a predetermined threshold. The method further includes controlling the drain pump and the water valve in response to detecting the overfill condition in order to facilitate removal of the overfill condition.

Abstract: A hinge assembly for a dishwasher and a dishwasher having the same are provided. The hinge assembly (100) includes: a hinge friction sleeve (11) having an inserting groove (111), in which the inserting groove (111) extends along a length direction of the hinge friction sleeve (11) and has a first end provided with a snap-fitting rod (112) and a second end provided with a snap-fitting portion (113); and an L-shaped hinge (12) having a horizontal limb (121) fitted within the inserting groove (111), in which the horizontal limb (121) has a first end snap-fitted with the snap-fitting rob (112) and a second end provided with an open axial groove (1212) fitted with the snap-fitting portion (113), the snap-fitting portion (113) is snap-fitted within the open axial groove (1212) to close an opening of the open axial groove (1212), and an upper edge of the open axial groove (1212) is spaced apart from an upper edge of the snap-fitting portion (113) at a predetermined distance.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a dishwasher including a spray unit fixed to one sidewall of a wash tub and a reflecting plate assembly to reflect wash water sprayed from the spray unit onto dishes and to linearly reciprocate in a spray direction of the wash water sprayed from the spray unit. The dishwasher further includes a drive unit to drive the reflecting plate assembly, and a cam unit to transmit driving force of the drive unit to the reflecting plate assembly. The drive unit includes a motor to generate rotational force, and a belt forming a closed loop and caused to make cyclic movement by the motor. The cam unit is engaged with the belt to transmit power of the belt to the reflecting plate assembly. The cam is alternately engaged with first and second portions of the belt to cause the reflecting plate assembly to reciprocate.

Abstract: A cleaning glove device includes a cleaning glove having a planar face. The planar face has a palm portion and digit portions extending from the palm portion. A peripheral wall of the cleaning glove extends from a peripheral edge of the planar face. A taper portion of the peripheral wall extends between a main portion and the peripheral edge. The main portion is perpendicular to the planar face. An adhesive layer covers the planar face to have debris adhered to the planar face by the adhesive layer when the cleaning glove is pressed against and removed from a surface.

Abstract: A method and system for calculating a volume of resected tissue from a stream of intraoperative images is disclosed. A stream of 2D/2.5D intraoperative images of resected tissue of a patient is received. The 2D/2.5D intraoperative images in the stream are acquired at different angles with respect to the resected tissue. A resected tissue surface is segmented in each of the 2D/2.5D intraoperative images. The segmented resected tissue surfaces are stitched to generate a 3D point cloud representation of the resected tissue surface. A 3D mesh representation of the resected tissue surface is generated from the 3D point cloud representation of the resected tissue surface. The volume of the resected tissue is calculated from the 3D mesh representation of the resected tissue surface.

Abstract: An endoscope operation portion includes: an operation portion body provided being connected to a grasping portion; a joystick-type bending operation lever provided on a back side of the operation portion body, including a lever shaft body, and configured to perform a bending operation of a bending portion; and a suction button provided on a front side of the operation portion body so that an angle formed by an operation axis in a pressing-down operation direction relative to a central axis of the lever shaft body is an obtuse angle, and an intersection point between the central axis and the operation axis is positioned inside the operation portion body.

Abstract: An endoscope includes a flexible insertion section, a display section capable of displaying an endoscopic image, and a grasping section including a bottom portion with a ground contact surface, and to which the display section is fixed, where the insertion section extends downward from a rear surface of the grasping section with a proximal end of the insertion section connected to the grasping section, and the grasping section has a forward tilted posture with a top portion tilted to a front surface side opposite the rear surface.

Abstract: An endoscopic instrument with a shank which includes at least two segments which are connected to one another via diametrically opposite joints. Between axial face edges of the opposite joints facing one another a gap is present. The gap runs with at least one angular bend.

Abstract: A deflectable endoscope including an imaging structure, an outer member having a proximal portion and a distal portion, an elongated column member extending distally from the outer member and an inner member positioned coaxial with the outer member and attached to the column member. The inner member extends distally of the outer member and has a distal tip portion. A reinforcement member is positioned over the column member to restrict axial movement of the column member such that when one of the inner member or outer member is moved with respect to the other, axial compression of the column member is restricted by the reinforcement member causing the distal tip portion of the inner member to deflect laterally.

Abstract: A control section outputs a control signal. An actuator is connected to a drive section and operates based on the control signal. An operation information acquisition section acquires operation information related to an operation status of the actuator. A storage section stores correction information included in control information which includes a relationship between an operation status and the control signal. The correction section determines whether or not the control signal and the operation status are consistent with the control information, and when inconsistent, corrects correction information for consistency.

Abstract: A distal end of an introducer sheath into a patient's urethra is advanced into a patient's urethra while flowing an irrigation fluid through a lumen and out a distal end of the introducer sheath into the urethra. The irrigation fluid is simultaneously removed from the urethra through the distal end and lumen of the introducer sheath to establish a circulation of the irrigation fluid in the urethra as the introducer sheath is advanced. The urethra may then be viewed through an endoscope positioned in the lumen of the introducer sheath as the irrigation fluid circulation is continued. A unitary connector is detachably coupled to a proximal end of the elongated sleeve, and a fluid seal is disposed between the unitary connector and the proximal end of the elongated sleeve. The unitary connector is configured to connect the first and second channels to the inflow pump and the outflow pump, respectively.

Abstract: An endoscope system includes an insertion portion, a support portion, a first subject image acquisition portion, a second subject image acquisition portion, a third subject image acquisition portion, an image generation section, and an image processing section. The image processing section can switch between a first mode of arranging lateral images around a forward image in a continuously connected state and a second mode of arranging the lateral images and the forward image in a separated. The image processing section continuously connects a third image in a non-display region to the forward image in the first mode, and arranges the lateral images side by side with both sides of the forward image and arranges the third image adjacent to the forward image in the second mode.

Abstract: A scanning-type endoscope apparatus includes: a scanning-type endoscope performing scanning with illumination light on a subject by driving an actuator; a storing portion storing drive conditions information and specific information; a reading portion; a controlling portion driving the actuator based on the drive conditions information; a body apparatus; a signal generating portion generating a signal corresponding to light from the subject; and an image information generating portion generating image information based on the signal. The controlling portion causes the image information to be generated using the signal in a state where reading of the drive conditions information is complete but reading of the specific information is not complete, and causes the image information to be generated using the signal and the specific information in a state where reading of the drive conditions information and the specific information is complete.

Abstract: A capsule endoscope includes an imaging device that captures time-series captured images and a processor including hardware. The processor implements a process that performs a first motion determination process with respect to the capsule endoscope based on the captured images to calculate a first motion determination result, and a communication process that transmits the captured images to an external device that is provided outside the capsule endoscope, and receives a second motion determination result, the second motion determination result being a result of a second motion determination process with respect to the capsule endoscope that was performed by the external device based on the captured images. The processor implements the process that controls the frame rate of the imaging device based on the first motion determination result and the second motion determination result.

Abstract: It becomes possible to easily retrieve an imaging portion from the inside of a body. When receiving an external force from forceps (33), the gripping portion (22) causes a camera unit (11) to be displaced following displacement of the forceps (33) while maintaining a posture of the camera unit (11) with respect to the forceps (33), and, when receiving an external force other than the external force from the forceps (33), the gripping portion (22) causes the camera unit (11) to rotate with a contact point (61) as a center, or causes the camera unit (11) to rotate so that the contact point (61) is rotationally moved.

Abstract: A flexible printed circuit board for use in a video endoscope is provided. The flexible printed circuit board including: a body extending longitudinally from a first end to a second end, the body having two end sections provided at the first end, the two end sections being spatially separate from each other relative to the longitudinal axis and each of the two end sections being configured to be connected to an imaging apparatus. A video endoscope having a flexible printed circuit board is also provided, where the first end of the flexible printed circuit board is arranged in the distal region of the video endoscope.

Abstract: An endoscope system includes a convex-portion specifying section that detects a convex portion in a picked-up image of a subject picked up by an image pickup section, and a convex-portion-size calculating section that detects a convex portion in a predetermined size range on the basis of information concerning the convex portion. An illumination section includes a plurality of illumination-light emitting sections that illuminate the subject with lights in bands different from one another from directions different from one another. The plurality of illumination-light emitting sections are provided on a distal end side inner circumferential surface of a cylindrical cap attached to the distal end of an insertion section of an endoscope to specify an image pickup range of the image pickup section.

Abstract: A sensor-equipped laryngoscope may be used in a system and method for quantifying intubation performance. The level of experience of health care professionals (HCPs) plays a role in the application of force and torque applied to the laryngoscope during endotracheal intubation on an airway simulator, such as a manikin or animal model (e.g., a ferret). A sensor-equipped laryngoscope may provide data that differentiates the mechanics applied by subject matter experts (SMEs) (e.g., neonatologists) from those by novices or trainees during intubation, particularly on infant or neonatal airway simulators. A laryngoscope may be equipped with one or more sensors (e.g., force/torque sensors, accelerometers, and gyroscopes) to record force, torque, and/or three-dimensional motion during endotracheal intubation. The sensor-equipped laryngoscope may then be used to record intubation mechanics (e.g., during an infant airway simulated intubation) for both SMEs and trainees.

Abstract: A single imaging platform for making in vivo measurements of an individual's eye, where the measurements are sufficient to construct an optical model of the individual's eye. The platform includes a plenoptic opthalmic camera and an illumination module. In one configuration, the plenoptic opthalmic camera captures a plenoptic image of a corneal anterior surface of the individual's eye. In another configuration, the plenoptic opthalmic camera operates as a wavefront sensor to measure a wavefront produced by the individual's eye.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes systems and methods to select fovea containing optical coherence tomography (OCT) images. The systems and methods described herein receive a plurality of OCT images. The portion of the OCT images are selected for further processing, where a line tracing the border between the retina and non-retina tissue is generated. A difference of the line is generated. Candidate OCT images are then generated responsive to the generated difference line. The lowest point among each difference lines generated for each of the OCT images is identified, and the OCT image to which the lowest point corresponds is identified as the fovea containing OCT image.

Abstract: An anterior eye tomographic image capturing apparatus determining a power of an IOL (intraocular lens) is configured to acquire a tomographic image of an anterior eye along a straight line passing through a corneal apex of the anterior eye; identify a corneal apex position of the anterior eye, an equator position of a crystalline lens of the anterior eye, and a SS (scleral spur) position of the anterior eye based on the tomographic image; calculate an ELP (estimated lens position) based on a first distance from the corneal apex position to the SS position in a direction of a visual axis and a second distance from the SS position to the equator position in the direction of the visual axis; and determine the power of the IOL by using the ELP.

Abstract: Systems and methods for improved interferometric imaging are presented. One embodiment is a partial field frequency-domain interferometric imaging system in which a light beam is scanned in two directions across a sample and the light scattered from the object is collected using a spatially resolved detector. The light beam could illuminate a spot, a line or a two-dimensional area on the sample. Additional embodiments with applicability to partial field as well as other types of interferometric systems are also presented.

Abstract: A pupil detection system according to an embodiment includes a vector calculation unit configured to calculate a plurality of candidate vectors each connecting a corneal sphere center and a pupil center by a stereo method based on a first pupil image of a subject which is picked up by a first camera and a second pupil image of the subject which is picked up by a second camera, and a determination unit configured to select, from among the plurality of candidate vectors, a candidate vector satisfying a vector condition in which an angle between the pupil center and a reference line is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold and determine that a pupil is located at a pupil center corresponding to the selected candidate vector.

Abstract: A pair of objective lenses is integrated into a top surface of a surgical contact lens. The pair of objective lenses replaces the conventional single, shared objective lens that is typically positioned 175 mm from the ocular surface. In one example, a surgical contact lens for providing a stereo-optic view inside a patient's eye includes a first side adapted to engage the patient's eye and a second side facing away from the patient's eye. The second side includes a first optical component arranged to focus light from a first position and a second optical component arranged to focus light from a second position that is different from the first position. The first optical component is substantially coplanar with the second optical component.

Abstract: A system for providing video analysis and motion augmentation, particularly in the context of telemedicine applications is disclosed. In particular, the system may utilize cameras and other devices to detect macro and micro changes and movements of a being so as to assist in the detection of an anomaly associated with the being. After detecting the anomaly based on the detected macro and micro changes and movements, the system may transmit an alert identifying the anomaly and formulate a proposed request for interaction with the being. The request for interaction may be transmitted to the being, and information obtained in response to the request for interaction may be utilized by the system to assist in the determination of a diagnosis of a condition of the being. The process may be repeated as necessary until the diagnosis is confirmed and enough information associated with the being is obtained.

Abstract: A method for improving biometric data by using a plurality of wearable devices on a network includes making a first measurement at a first wearable sensor at a first location on a body, making a second measurement at a second wearable sensor positioned at a second location on the body, and detecting an arterial pulse wave transmit time using the first measurement and the second measurement.

Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention relates to a process for intra-operatively providing anatomical guidance in endocrine surgery. In one embodiment, the process includes the steps of illuminating tissues in the neck area of a living subject with a beam of light having a predetermined wavelength, obtaining Raman data from light scattered from the illuminated tissues, finding Raman signatures corresponding to thyroid or parathyroid tissues from the obtained Raman data, and identifying the thyroid or parathyroid tissues from the corresponding Raman signatures.

Abstract: The Lower Extremity Visual Device is a portable medical device that allows individuals as well as physicians the ability to view the lower extremity. With the use of mirrors and an attachable bracket for digital visual imaging devices such as an attachable camera, the patient can more readily identify abnormalities and aliments of the lower extremity of the body and track the progress of healing. The use of the mirrors and attachable bracket for digital imaging devices and recordable digital imaging devices allows individuals the ability to see portions of the lower extremity they were once unable to do so. This ability to quickly identify aliments and abnormalities early on is useful in preventive care.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an optical breast diagnostic apparatus taking an image of a breast for diagnosing an abnormality in a female breast, including a hemispherical cover covering the breast with certain spacing; a light source installed inside the hemispherical cover; and a photographing device detachably installed on the hemispherical cover to take an infrared image of the breast. The optical breast diagnostic apparatus has an effect of objectively evaluating the diagnosis of breast cancer by obtaining an image from simple infrared imaging using a camera, without undergoing a complex process such as radiography.

Abstract: A plug that is engaged with a receptacle for light emission of a light source unit that emits a light beam having a flat-shaped cross section and an optical fiber having a burr defect in a part of an outer peripheral portion of an incidence end surface on which the light beam is incident are included. The plug is attached to an incidence end portion of the optical fiber in an arrangement in which the burr defect is located in a short axis direction of a cross section on the incidence end surface of the light beam incident on the incidence end surface in a state in which the plug is engaged with the receptacle.

Abstract: A method, consisting of acquiring signals, indicative of temperatures at respective locations in a biological tissue, from a plurality of thermal sensors mounted on a probe in contact with the tissue, interpolating between the temperatures so as to produce a temperature distribution map, and displaying the temperature distribution map on a screen. The method also includes determining that at least one of the thermal sensors is a malfunctioning thermal sensor, and that remaining thermal sensors of the plurality are correctly operating. The at least one malfunctioning thermal sensor is assigned a first arbitrary temperature and the correctly operating thermal sensors are assigned second arbitrary temperatures.