Abstract: An electric heating and stirring machine that heats and stirs a substance or substances placed in a carafe for brewing coffee, tea, or extracting substances into fats or oils. The device uses a motor to rotate a magnet holder upon which magnets are mounted. The rotation of the magnets magnetically rotates a stirrer, through attraction to the rotating magnets, rotation of the stirrer stirs the contents of the carafe. The contents of the carafe are heated, preferably by an infrared or induction heater located below the carafe. The base of the stirrer is heated via induction or direct infrared heat. The temperature of the substance in the carafe is measured by a thermometer. A control circuit can be used to control the speed of mixing, the temperature, and the time of both stirring and heating.

Abstract: A coffee machine includes a weighing system to measure the weight of the liquid coffee extracted in a cup and a coffee grinding machine having a weight system to measure the weight of the ground coffee dispensed in a filter-holder. The coffee machine has a control unit provided with a memory, wherein infusion ratios for different types of coffees are saved and the coffee grinding machine includes a control unit operatively connected to the control unit of the coffee machine to send information about the weight of the ground coffee contained in the filter-holder. The control unit of the coffee machine uses the information received from the coffee grinding machine to extract a coffee that satisfies an infusion ratio selected by the operator.

Abstract: A brewing chamber cleaner including a spinning or stationary assembly for spraying cleaning solution into the brewing chamber. The spinning assembly may be attached to a disk configured to removably reside in the brewing chamber, or be part of a coffee maker. Liquid pumped into the brewing chamber cleaner may cause the spinning assembly to spin by the liquid flowing past gears or a propeller, or by off center jets on the spinning member. Alternatively, the coffee maker includes a rotating shaft to cause the spinning assembly to spin or may include stator winding creating a rotating magnetic field to cause the spinning assembly to spin. In another embodiment the brewing chamber cleaner includes a wide spray provided by a fixed nozzle. A base is optionally provided to capture the spray and direct a flow into a bottom extraction needle of the coffee maker to clean the extraction needle.

Abstract: A water filter assembly for a beverage dispenser. The water filter assembly may generally include filter media positioned within a filter housing which may be attachable to a first fitting or a second fitting of a water storage reservoir to provide filtered water to a reservoir outlet. The filter housing includes an adapter sleeve that defines mounting features that correspond with the first fitting and the second fitting to enable the water filter assembly to connect to either of the first fitting or the second fitting. In this manner, a single water filter assembly may be used in beverage dispensers having different reservoir fittings.

Abstract: A water filter assembly for a beverage dispenser. The water filter assembly may generally include a one-way valve disposed in the filter housing to allow air and water to escape so that the filter cartridge may be completely saturated. The one-way valve prevents air and water from entering the filter housing from the reservoir, thereby maintaining a vacuum that prevents the water level in the filter housing from dropping along with the water level of the reservoir. Furthermore, a protective screen is placed upstream of the one-way valve to prevent the sealing surface of the valve from becoming contaminated with debris or other sediment. In this manner, the one-way valve may maintain proper sealing performance throughout the lifetime of the filter.

Abstract: The invention relates to a pan lid made of glass having a lid handle attached on the surface thereof directed outwards, the lid handle being connected to the glass surface via an adhesive connection.

Abstract: A cooking apparatus, a cooking apparatus controlling system, and a method of controlling a cooking apparatus are provided. The cooking apparatus controlling system includes a first cooking apparatus having a user interface configured to receive a user command from a user and a second cooking apparatus separated from the first cooking apparatus and configured to receive the user command input to the first cooking apparatus and operate according to the user command. The user interface receives one or more of a user command related to the first cooking apparatus and a user command related to the second cooking apparatus. The first cooking apparatus includes a first communicator. The second cooking apparatus includes a second communicator configured to communicate with the first communicator.

Abstract: A bakeware device includes bakeware having an oil discharge channel and a first pivotal portion pivotably connected to a second pivotal portion of a base having an oil pan. A positioning block is slideably mounted in the first pivotal portion and includes a tooth disengageably engages with at least one toothed section of the second pivotal portion. The tooth includes an inclined guiding face and a stop face opposite to the inclined guiding face. A spring biases the tooth to engage with the at least one toothed section of the second pivotal portion. A button is mounted to the second pivotal portion and includes an operative portion and a pressing portion protruding from the operative portion and abutting the positioning block. When the operative portion of the button is pressed, the tooth of the positioning block disengages from the at least one toothed section of the second pivotal portion.

Abstract: A rotisserie device for use with a cooking unit, e.g., a kamado-type cooker, may include a rotisserie support unit that is removably insertable between a lower portion and an upper portion of the cooking unit, at least one opening or notch formed in the rotisserie support unit for receiving a rotisserie skewer, a lower engagement structure coupled to the rotisserie support unit and configured to rest on the lower portion of the cooking unit, and an upper engagement structure coupled to the rotisserie support unit and defining a rest for the upper portion of the cooking unit to rest thereon. The rotisserie support unit may define a wedge-shaped ring, e.g., for use with a hinged-style cooker, or may have any other suitable shape.

Abstract: A drain plug (10), which is preferably removable, for a drain hole (40), in particular of a kitchen appliance (20), having a stopper (52) designed to shut off said drain hole, characterized in that it also comprises a filter basket (55) which is designed to be received in said drain hole and which is mounted so as to be able to move with respect to the stopper.

Abstract: A thermos flask comprises a container, which has an opening on a top side, at which opening a lid is retained, which closes the opening in a closing position and can be at least partially moved by means of an actuating element in order to partially open the opening in order to pour out liquid. The lid has an upper part fastened to the container and a lower part pivotably retained on the upper part.

Abstract: An insulating container can be configured to retain a volume of liquid, and include a first inner wall having a first end having an opening extending into an internal reservoir, and a second outer wall forming an outer shell. The opening can be sealed by a closure, the closure having an upper portion with a handle that has a circular curvature equal to the cylindrical portion of the closure. The closure may also have a lower portion that is joined to the upper portion by an injection molded polymer element.

Abstract: A cryogen injection apparatus for injecting a cryogenic substance into a blender, includes at least one nozzle constructed for being in fluid communication with an interior of the blender; and an electric heat sink member in contact with the at least one nozzle for electrically heating said nozzle. A related method is also provided.

Abstract: The technology relates to a juice squeezing module for a juicer including: a juice squeezing drum mounted on a body of the juicer in such a manner as to be open on the top surface thereof and an engagement gear disposed on the edge of the periphery of the bottom surface thereof; a cap adapted to cover the top surface of the juice squeezing drum; a juice squeezing screw rotatably mounted at the inside of the juice squeezing drum; a screen drum mounted at the inside of the juice squeezing drum; a rotating brush adapted to brush the juice squeezing drum and the screen drum and having a brush ring gear connected to the engagement gear; and brush rotating means disposed on the underside of the juice squeezing drum to transmit the driving force of a driving shaft of the body to the engagement gear to rotate the rotating brush.

Abstract: A device for cracking eggs is provided. The device has a generally flat blade portion secured to an arched base portion. The generally flat blade portion is used to cut or crack the egg. The generally flat blade portion is perpendicularly secured to the arched base portion wherein the arched base portion mirrors the arc of the exterior surface of an average egg. A user uses the generally flat blade portion to strike the egg. The arched base portion stops the generally flat blade portion from penetrating the egg past a predetermined point. In some embodiments, a padded attachment or a spring loaded contact surface may be secured to the arched base portion and may prevent the device from over-cutting or cracking the egg. In alternative embodiments, the back of the arched base portion has a loop for securing a finger. Finally, a handle may be secured to the arched base portion to easily grasp the device.

Abstract: An oven tray rack for insertion into a food rack assembly is provided having upwardly and inwardly extending food holders and downwardly and inwardly extending grease deflectors for diverting grease to a center area of the tray rack and preventing gease from dripping onto food on lower tray racks.

Abstract: A kitchen utensil according to the invention comprises a handheld, low friction, cooking and serving spatula that includes: (a) a generally planar, elongated, blade exhibiting a rear portion connected to a handle, and a front portion extending some distance from said rear portion along a generally central axis between left and right lateral sides; and (b) movable bearings restrained within the plane of said blade in a suitably dimensioned opening in said blade, said bearings exhibiting substantially free rotational motion within said plane to guide food on and off of said blade.

Abstract: A genitalia washing assembly includes a container that may contain a liquid detergent. The container has an aperture extending therethrough. The aperture may insertably receive male genitalia thereby facilitating the liquid detergent to wash the male genitalia. A lid is removably coupled to the container. The lid frictionally engages the lip such that the lid closes the opening.

Abstract: A product dispenser may be customized by incorporating a backplane having multiple different electrical contacts points and multiple different connectors for receiving one or more dispenser plug-in circuit modules, where each plug-in circuit module has mating electrical contacts and connector members. Different dispenser plug-in circuit modules may be easily installed, i.e. plugged-in, during assembly and/or during installation of the product dispenser to change the operating features of a particular dispenser.

Abstract: A Handheld Motorized Facial Brush Having Three Floating Heads. The motorized device can generate rotational, oscillating or vibrating motion at a plurality of micro-treatment heads. The microheads are interchangeable and selectable from a group including bristle brushes, sponge applicator, silicone massage finger/element, among others. The device has a detachable three-headed treatment head assembly that interlocks to the main handle housing by twist-lock or other mechanism. The treatment head assembly may have the option of being pivotally attached to the handle housing in order to allow it to closely follow the contours of the user's face. Finally, the device has internal batteries that are rechargable.

Abstract: A reconfigurable upright surface cleaning apparatus has a surface cleaning unit removably mounted to the floor cleaning unit. The surface cleaning unit has a rear air inlet and a front air outlet.

Abstract: A recycling cleaning device includes a tub body, a sucking device and a tube. The tub body has a receiving space, an inlet communicating with the receiving space and a communication portion for communicating with the receiving space. The tub body is for arrangement on a barrel body and defines at least one passage with the barrel body. The sucking device is for disposed in the barrel body. The tube is connected with the sucking device and has an outlet. When the sucking device is disposed in the barrel body, the tube extends from an interior of the barrel body outside the barrel body through one of the passages, and the outlet is controllably arranged substantially toward the inlet of the tub body.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner nozzle having a housing, a bleed valve, and a support. The housing has an inlet, an outlet, a suction passage, a bypass opening, and a bypass passage connecting the bypass opening to the outlet. The valve is movable between a closed position in which the valve blocks the bypass passage, and an open position in which the valve does not block the bypass passage. The support has a lever arm. The support moves between a first position in which the lever arm allows the bleed valve assembly to remain in the closed position and the support holds the inlet opening at a first distance from a surface, and a second position in which the lever arm holds the valve in the open position, and the support holds the inlet opening a second distance from the surface, the second distance being greater than the first distance.

Abstract: A central vacuum cleaner having a main housing, a suction chamber located inside the main housing, a shelf extending from the main housing into the suction chamber, a suction chamber inlet providing a fluid passage through the main housing into the suction chamber, a suction motor having a suction motor inlet in fluid communication with the suction chamber and configured to generate a flow of air from the suction chamber inlet to the suction chamber and into the suction motor inlet, a mounting flange extending from the suction motor towards the main housing, and a number of clamps. Each clamp is movably mounted to the mounting flange and has a first end movable between a locked position in which the shelf is held between the first end and the mounting flange, and an unlocked position in which the shelf is not held between the first end and the mounting flange.

Abstract: A surface cleaning apparatus includes a housing including an upright handle assembly and a base mounted to the handle assembly and adapted for movement across a surface to be cleaned The surface cleaning apparatus is further provided with a fluid delivery system comprising a fluid dispenser and at least one fluid delivery channel forming a portion of a fluid delivery pathway. The fluid delivery channel can be formed by a portion of a suction nozzle assembly on the base. A light provided on the base can be configured to illuminate the fluid delivery channel when cleaning fluid is being delivered.

Abstract: Provided is a water absorbent laminate including: a first fiber layer including a first fiber assembly including first hydrophilic fibers; and a second fiber layer including a second fiber assembly including wet-heat-adhesive fibers in an amount greater than or equal to 80% by mass, wherein a surface of the first fiber layer on a side opposite to the second fiber layer has a water absorption rate less than or equal to 10 seconds as determined in accordance with the dropping method defined in JIS L 1907. Also provided is a method for producing the water absorbent laminate. The water absorbent laminate can further include a third fiber layer including a third fiber assembly including second hydrophilic fibers between the first fiber layer and the second fiber layer.

Abstract: The disclosed cleaning tool comprises a handle, a cleaning head, a valve, and a locking mechanism. The handle comprises a fluid chamber and a discharge aperture, and the handle has a working end and a holding end. The cleaning head is secured to the working end of the handle and adjacent the discharge aperture. The valve separates the fluid chamber from a discharge aperture and is actuatable between a first open position and a second closed position. In the first open position the fluid chamber is in fluid communication with the discharge aperture. The locking mechanism locks the valve in the open position or the closed position.

Abstract: A mop cover has a planar main body with four outer edges, wherein a longer first outer edge is oriented parallel to a longer second outer edge, the first outer edge being longer than the second outer edge, two shorter outer edges respectively extending between the longer outer edges, the main body having at least two pockets, into which mop wings or tensioning elements can be introduced to tense the planar main body, being configured such that the mop cover can be readily gripped, and tensioned, by rectangular wings, wherein the mop cover can be guided effectively for cleaning purposes with the greatest possible degrees of freedom in corner regions, a mop cover of the type mentioned in the introduction is characterized in that at least one outer edge and/or at least one pocket are/is assigned at least one stiffening element for the partially reinforced stiffening of the main body.

Abstract: Method for operating a shortened dishwashing cycle of a dishwasher, dishwasher configured for running the shortened dishwashing cycle and computer program product for operating a shortened dishwashing cycle of a dishwasher. The dishwasher (10) includes a tub (12) configured to hold dishware during a dishwashing cycle, at least one circulation pump (50, 250), at least one heating element (230), and a controller (40, 240) configured to operate the dishwasher. The controller (40, 240) is configured to operate the dishwasher (10) according to at least one of a normal dishwashing cycle or the shortened dishwashing cycle. The method includes providing a first amount of warm water to the tub (12). The first amount of warm water is greater than a standard amount of water provided to the tub (12) for the normal dishwashing cycle.

Abstract: A cartridge for a water-conducting domestic appliance, in particular a domestic dishwasher, which has a detergent dosing system having at least one detergent dispenser for receiving at least one cartridge, wherein the cartridge has separate chambers for storing at least two detergents, the cartridge including a cartridge housing having at least two chambers formed therein, wherein each chamber has a storage capacity for storing detergent which is greater than the quantities required for one washing cycle.

Abstract: A method for operating a dishwasher is provided. During a first phase, the dishwasher is operated with a first fluid quantity that is heated by a desorption process of a drying material. The first fluid quantity is increased to a second fluid quantity by adding a third fluid quantity that is stored in the drying material. During a second phase, the dishwasher is operated with the second fluid quantity. The first and second fluid quantities are circulated by a circulation pump during the first and second phases, respectively. The circulation pump is operated at a rotational speed that is higher during the second phase than during the first phase.

Abstract: A method for obtaining information about a load of articles to be cleaned in a dishwasher is provided. The method may include stopping a pump from pumping liquid through a spraying system of the dishwasher at a point of time; recording a pressure signal in a sump of the dishwasher from the point of time the pump was stopped; measuring a time period, said time period being measured from the point of time the pump stopped until the pressure signal is essentially stable; and comparing the time period with reference values for obtaining information about the load in the dishwasher. A corresponding dishwasher, computer program, and computer program product may be provided.

Abstract: The present embodiments provide a cap for attachment to a distal end of an endoscope. The cap may comprise a proximal portion comprising a tubular body with a lumen extending therethrough, wherein the proximal end is configured for securement to the distal end of the endoscope, and a distal portion having a first arm extending to a first distal end, the first arm being movable such that a first end of the first arm is moveable laterally with respect to a longitudinal axis defined by the tubular body.

Abstract: Various embodiments described herein relate to a lumen traveling device and/or system for real-time display of location of the device as it travels through a lumen in a subject's body. In an embodiment, alignment of the externally alignable display and control device with the lumen traveling device located in a lumen (natural or artificial) in a subject's body provides for tracking, memory display, and manipulation of the lumen traveling device.

Abstract: Various embodiments described herein relate to a lumen traveling device and/or system for real-time display of location of the device as it travels through a lumen in a subject's body. In an embodiment, alignment of the externally alignable display and control device with the lumen traveling device located in a lumen (natural or artificial) in a subject's body provides for tracking, memory display, and manipulation of the lumen traveling device.

Abstract: Designs for a light field otoscope are disclosed. An example light field otoscope includes an objective lens group, relay optics and a plenoptic sensor (e.g., microlens array and sensor array). The objective lens group images an interior of a human ear and is characterized by a pupil plane and an image plane. The relay optics is positioned between the objective lens group and the plenoptic sensor. It relays the image plane to the microlens array and relays the pupil plane to the sensor array.

Abstract: Designs for a light field otoscope are disclosed. An example light field otoscope includes an objective lens group, relay optics and a plenoptic sensor (e.g., microlens array and sensor array). The objective lens group images an interior of a human ear and is characterized by a pupil plane and an image plane. The relay optics is positioned between the objective lens group and the plenoptic sensor. It relays the image plane to the microlens array and relays the pupil plane to the sensor array.

Abstract: In one aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a dental mirror device comprising: a head having a mirror support to support a mirror thereon; a handle coupled to the head, wherein the handle includes a housing, and a body received in the housing, wherein a first hole is formed in the body; an air sprayer having a hose coupler at a distal end of the handle, an air flow channel formed in the head and handle and air-communicating with the hose coupler, and a sprayer member air-coupled to the air flow channel defined in the head to inject an air to the mirror; and an air flow switch received in the first hole to block or open the air flow channel.

Abstract: A protective guide for protecting a cell extraction device during a Pap smear. A camera protective cover encloses a camera and a light emitting device. A thin, flexible transparent sheath encloses the camera cover. A cell extraction device cover encloses the cell extraction device. The location of the cervix is determined by utilizing the camera. The cell extraction device is pushed outward from the cell extraction device cover so that said cell extraction device head contacts the cervix and removes cells from the cervix. The cell extraction device is pulled back into the cell extraction device cover after the cells have been removed from the cervix. In a preferred embodiment the camera and light emitting device is an endoscope and the camera cover is an endoscope cover.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing a fundus image includes: a processor and a memory; an illumination component including a light source and operatively coupled to the processor; a camera including a lens and operatively coupled to the processor, wherein the memory stores instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the apparatus to: execute an automated script for capture of the fundus image; and allow for manual capture of the fundus image.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and systems for segmenting, visualizing, and quantifying the layered structure of retina in optical coherence tomography datasets. The disclosed methods have particular application to OCT angiography data, where specific retina layers have distinct vascular structures and characteristics that can be altered in various pathological conditions of the eye.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes a system and method to classify optical coherence tomography (OCT) images. The present system can classify OCT images without first segmenting the retina tissue. The system can generate one or more profiles from vertical transects through the OCT images. The system can identify image statistics based on the one or more profiles. The system's classifier can then classify the OCT images based on the identified image statistics.

Abstract: An OCT data processing device for processing OCT data of a subject eye includes: a processor; and memory storing computer readable program, when executed by the processor, causing the OCT data processing device to execute: acquiring OCT data from an OCT optical system; and analyzing the acquired OCT data to acquire arteriovenous information on the blood vessel based on image information on a blood vessel scan area including a blood vessel of the subject eye.

Abstract: In an embodiment of the disclosure, there is provided a handheld vision tester for vision self-testing by a user. The handheld vision tester comprises a touchscreen display, a control, and an interface port. The touchscreen display is configured to present different shapes, either statically or dynamically, to the user for the vision self-testing. One of the different shapes may be a modulated version of another similar shape displayed at the same time and includes a modulated edge. The control is configured to allow a user to trigger operations of the tester and allow the user to select one of the different shapes. The handheld vision tester is configured to determine results of the vision self-testing from the user selections and store the results in the handheld vision tester. The interface port is configured to transmit the stored results to a healthcare provider who uses the results to enhance treatment routines.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention disclose a method and a device of testing color blindness, which belong to the technical field of test.

Abstract: In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, an optical coherence tomography-based ophthalmic testing center system includes an optical coherence tomography instrument comprising an eyepiece for receiving at least one eye of a user or subject; a light source that outputs light that is directed through the eyepiece into the user's or subject's eye, an interferometer configured to produce optical interference using light reflected from the user's/subject's eye, an optical detector disposed so as to detect said optical interference; and a processing unit coupled to the detector.

Abstract: Lower sampling rates have been found to provide sufficient data for use in the method of U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,071,831, 7,616,125 and 7,791,491. The method of determining drowsiness includes the steps of receiving eye movement data collected at sampling rates as low as 20 Hz. The data is preferentially interpolated to provide a data set at a higher sampling rate in the order of 500 Hz. For each data point, values of amplitude and velocity of eye movement and whether the measures relate to eyelid opening or closing are derived. An algorithm is then used to obtain values of the amplitude to velocity ratios of eyelid opening and closing and using these values in an algorithm for providing a measure of drowsiness. With this method eyelid and eye movement may be monitored using any suitable technology or sensor including video or digital camera technology to identify and measure the appropriate ocular movements.

Abstract: A lens holder for holding a vitrectomy lens during a surgical procedure may include a support ring sized and shaped to receive a portion of the vitrectomy lens to provide visualization of a surgical site in an eye of the patient. The support ring may be configured to rest upon the eye of the patient during a surgical treatment procedure performed on the eye. The lens holder may also include a transparent, flexible membrane disposed along a bottom plane of the support ring and configured to conform to a surface feature on the eye. It may also include an overflow trough to control contact of a wetting agent with the eye.

Abstract: A fundoscopy system comprises a fixture supporting optics configured to be mounted to a surface of a smartphone and align the optics with a pupil of a camera of the smartphone and to align a light guide with an illumination source of the smartphone. The light guide is configured to direct light from the illumination source into an eye of a subject disposed in front of the fixture. The fixture is further configured to direct light reflected from a retina of the eye through the optics and into the pupil of the camera of the smartphone.

Abstract: Devices, such as computer readable media, and methods, such as automated methods, for labeling and/or matching. Some of the devices and methods are particularly useful for anatomical labeling of human airway trees. Some of the devices and methods are particularly useful for matching branch-points of human airway trees from represented in two or more graphs.