Abstract: Device for preparing a drink by extracting a measured quantity, for example of ground coffee, contained in a capsule (1) equipped with an extraction membrane (7), said device comprising a water inlet (5), a capsule holder (2), a capsule cage (3), clamping means and a set of spikes (6) for piercing said membrane (3); characterized in that the clamping means comprise a piston (4) mounted such that it can move with respect to the cage (3).

Abstract: The present system provides a French Press that comprises a carafe with a removable bottom member. The bottom member is threaded onto the man body of the carafe and forms a watertight seal during use of the carafe. During the preparation of the coffee using the French Press, normal operation is possible. The spent grounds collect naturally in the bottom member during use, and are in fact urged there by depression of the plunger during operation. After use, the bottom member can be easily removed from the main body of the carafe and the spent grounds can be easily cleaned from the bottom member, along with any stray grounds that might have remained in the main body of the carafe.

Abstract: A machine (1) for preparing a beverage comprises: a handle (10, 12) having a drive portion (12) arranged to be contacted and driven by a human hand to move the handle into a beverage preparation position; and a user-interface (20a) for initiating beverage preparation. This drive portion comprises this user-interface.

Abstract: A delivery assembly for a machine for preparing beverages via capsules (10) includes: a support structure (2) bearing an injector device (40) for introducing a fluid into a capsule (10); a capsule-holder (50), mounted movable in the support structure (2); guide elements (52-54, 32-34) designed to enable the capsule-holder (50) to displace between a position distanced from the injector device (40) and a position approached to the injector device (40); an actuation kinematic arrangement (3-7), which can be operated for causing displacements of the capsule-holder (50) between the distanced position and the approached position; and a longitudinally extended ejector member (70), mounted movable on the capsule-holder (50) and designed to eject the capsule (10) on the outside of the capsule-holder (50) during displacement of the capsule-holder (50) from the approached position to the distanced position.

Abstract: A small cooking appliance comprises a bottom housing, a top housing, and a ring assembly. The bottom housing has a top surface that forms a bottom cooking surface of the appliance. The top housing has a bottom surface that forms a top cooking surface of the appliance. The top housing is movably attached to the bottom housing and moveable between a closed position and an open position. The ring assembly is positionable between the top and bottom cooking surfaces when the top housing is in its closed position. The ring assembly comprises a top ring, a bottom ring, and an optional center cooking plate. The center cooking plate is movable between (i) a closed position in which a space defined by the ring assembly is divided into top and bottom cooking cavities and (ii) an open position.

Abstract: An aroma granulate mill for dispensing ground aroma granulate, particularly a spice mill for dispensation of ground spices, such as salt and pepper, comprising a container for accepting unground, coarse aroma granulate, an element provided at the container having a dispensation opening for dispensing ground, fine-grained aroma granulate, and a grinder arranged upstream to the dispensation opening for milling the unground, coarse aroma granulate into ground, fine-grained aroma granulate is provided. The element includes the dispensation opening having a concave collar, which forms a cavity open towards the outside, which has a circumferential side wall and comprises at least one section recessed in reference to the circumferential side wall in the direction towards the container, in which the dispensation opening is arranged, with the circumferential side wall defining an opening, with its area being smaller than the cross-section of the opening of the cavity at its widest section.

Abstract: A spill proof container assembly having a receptacle, a non-spill lid and a handle assembly. The handle assembly including a cover disposed at a first end and a sleeve disposed at a second end. The cover and handle pivot about a sleeve connection between an open position and a closed position.

Abstract: A drain plug kit and method of using the drain plug. The kit includes a buoyant member, a drain plug; and a biasing member configured and arranged to interconnect the buoyant member and the drain plug with biasing of the buoyant member towards the drain plug.

Abstract: A bathing vessel that includes a multi-layer structure of a first polymer layer and a second, adjacent polymer layer. Prior to formation of the second polymer layer on the first polymer layer, a surface of the first polymer layer is abraded and a surface wetting property of the surface is modified to promote bonding between the layers.

Abstract: A seat and storage unit for a bathtub includes a platform, a support panel and at least one drawer supported by the support panel. The support panel extends from the platform in a substantially perpendicular relationship thereto a distance from a rear end of the platform and with a first side and a second side of the support panel spaced inwardly relative to a first side and a second side of the platform to cooperate with the platform to define a first wall receiving notch and a second wall receiving notch such that a portion of a bottom surface of the platform is positioned on the top end of the sidewalls of the bathtub when the support panel is positioned between the sidewalls of the bathtub.

Abstract: A method of grounding a dispenser. A low impedance path is connected to elements internal to the dispenser. The low impedance path is also connected to a surface contact spring which is adapted to contact an external mounting surface when the dispenser is affixed thereto. Static electrical charge accumulated on the elements is discharged through the low impedance path and the surface contact spring to the external mounting surface.

Abstract: A toilet paper holding device for efficiently storing toilet paper in an organized manner. The toilet paper holding device includes a baseplate that can be mounted to a wall or other support surface via one or more fasteners, such as screws. The baseplate includes one or more telescopic arms extending therefrom. The telescopic arms can be extended or retracted in length so as to hold a desired number of toilet paper rolls thereon. In embodiments having several arms, the arms are substantially parallel to one another and are separated by a space. The telescopic arms can be removably secured to the baseplate via a threaded connection. In this way, the toilet paper holding device allows a user to store a number of toilet paper rolls in an organized manner.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a waterless urinal, in which a urine guide rod of a urine guide member is coupled to a discharge guide surface of a discharge guide member such that a discharge guide surface is quickly opened by urine moving to the urine guide member, thereby increasing a drainage velocity of urine, and thus sludge, scale, and a urinary calculus formed by the protein of urine are not generated, such that the function of the discharge guide surface may be maintained.

Abstract: A toilet seat lifting apparatus that is operable to assist a user in transitioning a conventional toilet seat intermediate its up and down position. The toilet seat lifting apparatus further includes a container body having a plurality of walls and a top forming an interior volume and further including an opening. A rotating arm member is secured proximate the top and includes a connection assembly secured thereto wherein the connection assembly is external to the container body. A connection assembly is mounted to the rotating arm member and includes a seat-engaging member operable to couple to a toilet seat. A lever arm is secured to the rotating arm member and includes a cable secured thereto. The cable extends from the lever arm over a upper support rod and terminates at a foot receiving member. An adhesive member is further included to secure the container body to a floor.

Abstract: A toilet cover and an implementation method thereof includes a toilet seat, a toilet top cover, a rotation mechanism and two supports, two supports are respectively disposed with an insert pin, each insert pin is disposed with a lock groove at the side wall of the top portion, the rotation mechanism is disposed with two radial insert holes for the insert pins to insert; wherein further comprising at least one switch component disposed at the external wall of the two supports, a lock element and an elastic element, both ends of the lock element are respectively disposed with a lock catch to lock to the lock groove of the insert pin or release the lock, the switch component drives the lock element to move so as to release the lock; the lock element is repositioned by the elastic element.

Abstract: The kit for configuring a toilet for disabled persons includes a toilet seat having a front portion having a first width and a back portion having a second width, the first width being greater than the second width, a top surface, and a bottom surface having a downward sloping wall configured for mating onto a toilet bowl of a toilet, and a mounting plate attached to the back portion of the toilet seat, the mounting plate having at least one opening configured for receiving a fastener for attaching the toilet seat onto the toilet. The top surface of the toilet seat can include a channel configured for receiving a conventional toilet seat. The kit can also include a support member, such as a floor-mounted handle bar or at least one wall-mounted handle bar, and a lid.

Abstract: A hand carryable surface cleaning apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a main body housing a suction motor. An air treatment member has an assembly air inlet provided at the upper end of the assembly. The assembly is removably mounted to the main body as a sealed unit.

Abstract: A backpack work apparatus comprises a back carrier frame; a drive motor mounted on the back carrier frame; a work tool driven by the drive motor; a right and left shoulder straps; a chest strap linking the intermediate points of the right and left shoulder straps; and an emergency release buckle device provided at the point where the chest strap is coupled to the intermediate point of the left shoulder strap, which is divided by the buckle device into two parts, an upper strap and a lower strap. The buckle device normally buckles the chest strap, the upper strap and the lower strap, and is capable of releasing the lower strap and the chest strap from the upper strap via a one part motion in an emergency.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner includes a main body including a fan motor to generate suction force, a suction unit connected to the main body to suction foreign matter from a surface to be cleaned in a state of contacting the surface, a dust collector separatably mounted to the main body to separate and collect dust from air suctioned by the suction unit, and a wheel assembly to move the main body, wherein the wheel assembly includes frames provided at a lower part and left and right sides of the main body and wheels rotatably mounted to the frames provided at the left and right sides of the main body, each wheel having a negative camber angle.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the present disclosure include a vacuum attachment for cleaning sprinkler heads. The vacuum attachment may include a cleaning extension head having a hollow upper head tube tapering to a hollow lower head tube, wherein the upper head tube has a larger diameter than the lower head tube. The upper head tube may have an upper head tube opening configured to accommodate a facility sprinkler, and the lower head tube may be configured to accommodate a vacuum hose, such that the vacuum hose is configured to removably attach to the cleaning extension head. In some embodiments, the attachment may also include a universal extension device to help users reach sprinklers on higher ceilings.

Abstract: A cleaning system. The system has a floor cleaning device, disposable floor sheet removably attachable to the device pad, and a rotatable beater bar. The device has a single wheel, and moves on the target surface by rolling action of the wheel and gliding of the floor sheet. This arrangement, not having multiple wheels, provides enhanced maneuverability, and improves cleaning performance. The cleaning system may be used to clean hard surfaces, such as a floor.

Abstract: A cyclone separation device includes: a swirl chamber that swirls air containing dust along a side wall therein, and separates dust from the air containing dust; a first dust collection chamber that communicates with an inside of the swirl chamber through a first opening formed in the side wall of the swirl chamber; a second dust collection chamber that communicates with the inside of the swirl chamber through a second opening formed on a downstream side of the first opening in the swirl chamber; a discharge pipe that communicates with a discharge port for discharging air in the swirl chamber; and a plurality of inlets that are provided on an upstream side of the first opening, and through which the air containing dust flows into the swirl chamber.

Abstract: A pressure switch configured to be disposed on a path, through which dust passes, to control a dust sensor according to whether a suction pressure is formed in the path, is provided. The pressure switch includes: a body part having a connection tube connected to the path, and an upper surface; first and second terminals configured to be electrically connected to the dust sensor, and at least a portion of which protrudes from the upper surface of the body part; and a flexible cap configured to engage the body part to define a space along with the upper surface of the body part. The flexible cap is deformed in response to a negative pressure being formed in the space, thereby electrically connecting the first and second terminals.

Abstract: A self-propelled vacuum cleaner has a main housing having a bottom wall formed with an aperture, floor-engaging wheels on the main housing, and a drive in the main housing for rotating the wheels and advancing the main housing in a normal horizontal travel direction. A module housing projecting through the aperture forms a brush compartment defining a downward directed suction opening having relative to the direction a leading edge and a trailing edge. The module housing is supported in the main housing for limited vertical movement of the module housing relative to the main housing. A brush in the module housing is engageable through the opening with a floor beneath the opening, and a blower in the module housing having an intake connected via a duct to the brush compartment for aspirating air through the opening and past the brush into the module housing.

Abstract: An extractor cleaning machine that includes a base having a suction nozzle and a body coupled to the base. The extractor cleaning machine also includes a suction source in fluid communication with the suction nozzle. The extractor cleaning machine further includes a recovery tank configured to store fluid and dirt drawn through the suction nozzle, and a tank tray coupled to at least one of the base and the body. The tank tray including a top surface and a bottom surface. The recovery tank is coupled to the tank tray adjacent the top surface. The extractor cleaning machine also includes an air duct coupled to the tank tray adjacent the bottom surface to define a passageway that fluidly couples the recovery tank and the suction nozzle.

Abstract: A cleaning pad is provided. The cleaning pad includes a cover layer, a core, and an attachment layer. The core is located between the cover layer and the attachment layer. A porous abrasive substance is applied to the attachment layer.

Abstract: A dispersible, nonwoven multistrata wipe material is provided that is stable in a wetting liquid and flushable in use. More particularly, multilayered structures including, but not limited to, two, three, or four layers are provided to form the dispersible nonwoven wipe material. The layers contain combinations of cellulosic and noncellulosic fibers, and optionally a binder or additive.

Abstract: A reservoir pivot assembly for a spray mop including a first portion pivotably connected to a second portion. A liquid reservoir is removably received by the first portion. The first portion is operable to pivot about the second portion between a first state and a second state, and the liquid reservoir is configured to pivot with the first portion.

Abstract: A multi-functional cleaning system usable as both a vacuum cleaner and a steam cleaner includes (a) a body having a motor assembly for generating suction and a dust collector for collecting foreign matters, (b) a first cleaning head, such as a vacuum nozzle, detachably coupleable to the body and having an inlet for directing the foreign matters into the dust collector, and (c) a second cleaning head, such as a steam cleaning head, detachably coupleable to the body and having an outlet for directing steam onto a surface. Attaching the body to the first cleaning head forms a vacuum cleaner configuration. while attaching the body to the second cleaning head forms a steam cleaner configuration. Electrical wiring and connectors enable operation of the blower motor only in the vacuum cleaner configuration, and include protection against water ingress that can cause malfunctioning or create a safety hazard.

Abstract: A washing system for determining an operating state of a dishwasher (12) comprises a dishwasher (12), in particular wherein the dishwasher (12) comprises a dishwasher interface (14), a dispenser unit (26), in particular wherein the dispenser unit (26) comprises a dispenser interface (28), wherein the dispenser unit (26) is connected to the dishwasher (12) for dosing a detergent to the dishwasher (12), a logic unit (30), in particular wherein the logic unit (30) is connectable to the dishwasher interface (14) and the dispenser interface (28), and a current sensor (24) for measuring an electrical current consumed by the dishwasher (12), wherein the current sensor (24) is connected to the logic unit (30). By replacing costly water meters by a current sensor (24), the cost efficiency of the washing system (10) may be increased. In addition, the assembling and maintenance effort of the washing system (10) may be reduced.

Abstract: Spraying device for washing machine, in particular a dishwasher, comprising an impeller provided with blades on the upper part as to receive an axial flow of a washing fluid and to deviate said flow in substantially radial direction, a lower cage defining a containment compartment having an upper access opening for the insertion of the impeller, and an upper closing cover, firmly applicable superiorly on the top of the cage to close the containing compartment.

Abstract: A water-bearing domestic appliance and method of operating a water-bearing domestic appliance, wherein the domestic appliance includes a water feed system that is controlled by a control device and that supplies a measured volume of water to the domestic appliance. The domestic appliance further includes a total water volume detection device to detect a total volume of water that is supplied via the water feed system to the domestic appliance during its service life.

Abstract: A dishwasher includes an independent presoak system which may be activated by a user of the dishwasher. The dishwasher presoak system utilizes a storage tank, supply tubes, and set of nozzles which are independent from components used in a washing cycle such that a presoak detergent is applied to items placed within a washing compartment of the dishwasher without being diluted by a standard wash cycle. As part of the presoak system, the dishwasher features a detection system which allows the user to select an automatic presoak operating state whereby the dishwasher utilizes a sensor to determine if items placed into the washing compartment are sufficiently dirty to need a presoak cycle prior to a washing cycle. The dishwasher further relies on a control system to analyze samples taken of the dirtiness levels of items placed within the washing compartment and determine whether a presoak option is necessary or suggested.

Abstract: A dishwasher having a washing container; a controller to control the operation of the dishwasher by means of a wash program; a desorption drying system to dry items to be washed that are arranged inside the washing container; and input means that are connected to the controller and that modify the wash program.

Abstract: Easier loading and unloading silverware baskets for automatic dishwashers are disclosed. A disclosed example silverware basket includes four side walls defining a basket having a top opening and a bottom opening, a moveable first member dimensioned to fit within the top opening and selectively moveable between a first position near the top opening and a second position between the top opening and the bottom opening, and a moveable second member dimensioned to fit within the bottom opening and selectively moveable between a third position near the bottom opening and a fourth position between the top opening and the bottom opening.

Abstract: A shoe cleaning apparatus including a housing unit having an interior compartment, an opening medially disposed through a top side of the housing unit, and a circular threaded aperture disposed through the top side proximal the opening. A horizontal axis rotary brush having a plurality of bristles is disposed within the opening of the housing unit. A motorized drive belt mechanism is disposed within the housing unit. The motorized drive belt mechanism is configured to rotate the horizontal axis rotary brush. A shoe drying mat has a rear surface attached to a bottom front edge of the housing unit. Each of a front splash guard and a back splash guard of a pair of vertically disposed adjustable dome-shaped splash guards is slidably attached to each of an inner front surface and an inner back surface, respectively, of the opening of the housing unit.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a hollow member having a sidewall provided with a window and a closure member movably connected to the hollow member for alternately covering and uncovering the window. The hollow member has a first clamping surface along an edge of the window, while the closure member has a second clamping surface opposing the first clamping surface and disposable substantially adjacent thereto in a clamping or closure configuration of the instrument. The instrument additionally comprises a tissue occlusion component mounted to at least one of the hollow member and the closure member for acting on tissues gripped between the first clamping surface and the second clamping surface, to couple the tissues to each other.

Abstract: A pipe connection structure for an endoscope is provided with a pipe made of a corrosion-resistant alloy material, and a piping block made of a corrosion-resistant alloy material, the piping block having a pipe insertion hole. An end of the pipe is fitted in the pipe insertion hole and the pipe and the piping block are connected by welding by irradiating a laser beam on the entire circumference of an area where the end of the pipe is fitted in the hole formed on the piping block. An axial length of the pipe inserted in the pipe insertion hole is in a range of 0.5 to 2 times a wall thickness of the pipe.

Abstract: Endoscopes, multicore endoscope fibers and configuration and operation methods are provided. The fibers may have hundreds or thousands of cores and possibly incorporate working channel(s) and additional fibers. The fiber may be used at different optical configurations to capture images of tissue and objects at the distal tip and to enhance a wide range of optical characteristics of the images such as resolution, field of view, depth of field, wavelength ranges etc. Near-field imaging as well as far-field imaging may be implemented in the endoscopes and the respective optical features may be utilized to optimize imaging. Optical elements may be used at the distal fiber tip, or the distal fiber tip may be lens-less. Diagnostics and optical treatment feedback loops may be implemented and illumination may be adapted to yield full color images, depth estimation, enhanced field of views and/or depths of field, and additional diagnostic data.

Abstract: A sheath for a medical instrument may include an elongate body extending from a proximal end to a distal face, and a first hollow lumen extending from a first end proximate the proximal end to a second end proximate the distal face. The sheath may also include a transparent window positioned at the second end of the first lumen to seal the first lumen at the second end. The transparent window may be configured to transmit light therethrough.

Abstract: In an optics tube for an endoscope, a lens arrangement including at least one rod lens is received in the inside of the optics tube, wherein a sleeve is fixed on the at least one rod lens and at least partially encloses the rod lens, and wherein the sleeve is welded to the optics tube. The invention also relates to an endoscope having such an optics tube, and to a method for mounting at least one rod lens in the inside of an optics tube.

Abstract: An overtube device for use in intubation during an endoscopic procedure is disclosed. The device includes an outer tube and an inner tube. The outer tube includes a distal end, a proximal end, and a first handle disposed on the proximal end. The inner tube includes a distal end, a proximal end, and a second handle disposed on the proximal end. The inner tube is inserted through an entire length of the outer tube such that the inner tube extends beyond the outer tube. At the proximal end of the device, a proximal end of the first handle is connected to a distal end of the second handle. When the inner tube is co-axially inserted within the outer tube, a clearance exists between a length of the inner and outer tubes, and between a length of the inner tube and the endoscope. Methods of use are disclosed.

Abstract: An endoscope (1) is provided in which a mechanically or electrically adjustable mirror (7) is interposed between two lenses (3, 4) adapted for stereoscopic image recording and an image recording chip (5), the mirror allows light captured by the lenses (3, 4) to be alternately guided onto the image recording chip (5).

Abstract: The invention provides a method and system for performing an image-guided endoscopic medical procedure. The invention may include registering image-space coordinates of a path of a medical instrument within the anatomy of a patient to patient-space coordinates of the path of the medical instrument within the anatomy of the patient. In some embodiments, the image space coordinates of the path of the medical instrument may be predicted coordinates such as, for example, a calculated centerline through a conduit-like organ, or a calculated “most likely path” of the medical instrument within the anatomy of the patient. In other embodiments, the path of the medical instrument may be an actual path determined using intra-operative images of the patient's anatomy with the medical instrument inserted therein. The registered instrument may then be navigated to one or more items of interest for performance of the endoscopic medical procedure.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for extending a tube, the apparatus including a foldable tube having a folded portion inside an unfolded portion of the tube, and a source of fluid coupled to the unfolded portion for providing fluid into the unfolded portion to unfold and extend the folded portion out of the unfolded portion to become an extension of the unfolded portion. The apparatus and methods are useful, inter alia, for cleansing the colon in the normal direction, that is, from the cecum to the anus, using an apparatus that is introduced via the anus. A washing liquid is supplied deep into the colon via the soft feed tube that is inserted via the anus and is extended into the colon by inflation. The washing liquid is then drained out via the anus through a drainage channel.

Abstract: An endoscope includes an insertion portion, a flexible member, a connecting member the proximal end side portion of which is fixed to the distal end side of the flexible member, an outer sheath, a first filling agent that is applied on the outer circumference side of the flexible member in such a manner as to come into contact with at least the distal end side of the outer sheath, an annular member that covers at least the outer circumference of the first filling agent, a protruding portion, and a second filling agent that is applied so as to continuously cover at least the outer circumference of the annular member and the outer circumference on the distal end side of the outer sheath.

Abstract: An enhanced flexibility auxiliary endoscope assembly for use with an endoscope, the assembly including at least one flexible elongate element and a flexible sleeve having a first lumen for accommodating a distal portion of an endoscope capable of assuming at least a first curvature and a second lumen for accommodating the at least one flexible elongate element, the second lumen being configured to allow the at least one flexible elongate element to assume the at least first curvature as well as at least a second curvature about the first curvature, thereby to enhance flexibility of the auxiliary endoscope assembly.

Abstract: A capsule endoscope system includes: a capsule endoscope including a first and a second imaging units; an image display that displays images captured by the first and second imaging units; a control unit that determines a moving direction of the capsule endoscope during imaging, specifies one of the imaging units which faces the moving direction of the capsule endoscope during imaging, and determines the posture of the capsule endoscope; and a display control unit that generates a display screen, arranges the image captured by the imaging unit facing the moving direction in a first display region in the display screen, arranges the image captured by the other imaging unit in a second display region in the display screen, and changes the positions of the first and second display regions according to the determination result of the position of the capsule endoscope.

Abstract: A hollow elongated cylinder is disclosed having a distal end and a proximal end, the proximal end configured to be removably connectable to a distal end of a syringe. An umbilical is removably inserted within said cylinder and configured for detachable connection to a data processor and a display device having a solid state imaging device disposed on a distal end of the umbilical. A lens system is disposed on a distal end of the solid state imaging device. The umbilical is inserted within the cylinder such that the distal end of the lens system is disposed at approximately the distal end of the cylinder.

Abstract: An endoscope includes an image pickup unit and a treatment instrument channel. The image pickup unit and the treatment instrument channel are adjacent to each other. The image pickup unit includes an objective lens and an image pickup device. In a pixel formation region of the image pickup unit, a segmentation region is set as a region read out as a region for displaying a video. A center of the segmentation region is disposed to be shifted from a center of the pixel formation region toward the treatment instrument channel. An optical axis of the objective lens is parallel to a center axis of the treatment instrument channel. The center of the segmentation region is located on the optical axis.