Abstract: An integrated beverage infuser and lid are adapted for use with a drinking vessel for brewing a consumable product, such as tea, in the drinking vessel, such as a travel mug or insulated tumbler. The lid includes a main body adapted for removable attachment to the drinking vessel. A fluid-permeable brewing basket defines an enclosable receptacle for removable receipt of the brewing product. The basket is movable between a stowed position, close to a lower surface of the main body and above the level of liquid in the drinking vessel, and a deployed position, spaced farther apart from the lower surface of the main body for submersion in the liquid contained in the drinking vessel. A flexible attachment member attaches the brewing basket to the lid main body. A sidewall recess in the main body retains the flexible attachment member when the brewing basket is in the stowed position.

Abstract: A device for dispensing beverages having a brewing group, a boiler, a duct connecting the latter to the brewing chamber and means for supplying cold water to the duct of hot water, a proportional electrovalve arranged to control the supply of cold water, and at least one temperature sensor downstream the supply point of cold water, with respect to the water flow, in order to detect the temperature of the brewing water supplied to the brewing chamber.

Abstract: A grill device includes a coupling mechanism having first and second ratchet teeth that cooperate to permit movement of an upper grill unit in a first direction for uncovering a lower grill unit, and to resist movement of the upper grill unit relative to the lower grill unit in a second direction opposite to the first direction.

Abstract: The invention relates to a grill apparatus (1), in the lower part (2) of which there is provided a heat conducting cone (4) which is held in a central position and in which an adjustment cone is rotatably mounted. Both cones (4, 7) have heat conducting means (10) in the form of openings (41, 71). By means of a relative rotation of the two cones (4, 7) with respect to one another, said openings go from congruently completely open to completely closed and are adjustable to any intermediate position, whereby a heat conduction with more top heat or more bottom heat can be directed onto the object being grilled.

Abstract: A grill which is convertible between a form for use for cooking and a compact form for carrying. The grill comprises a base member for supporting a fire and having a plurality of legs extending from one surface thereof, a fire ring receivable on the base member and extending along a perimeter of the base member and having a width to rise above the base member for containing a fire thereon, a grate for receiving food to be cooked, and a rod for positioning the grate above the base member. In the compact form, the grate, base member, and fire ring are connected together in the form of a suitcase with the grate and base member engaging opposite edges of the fire ring and defining sides of the suitcase and with the legs positioned to lie between the grate and base member and with the rod received in holes in the fire ring and engaging the legs thereby connecting the base member to the fire ring.

Abstract: A blender jar for a household type blender. The blender jar includes a jar and a blender blade assembly provided rotatably around a rotary axis at a bottom of the blender jar. The rotary axis is tilted from a normal axis of a working surface used for operating the blender jar thereon in ordinary use.

Abstract: A food storage device for children is provided that is able to rinse and clean healthy snacks that may be placed within the food storage device. An inner shell having a number of draining holes allows a parent or caregiver to rinse fruits or vegetables prior to placing the inner shell within an outer shell and secure an access lid having a handle over the inner shell and outer shell. A toddler may be able to reach through the access lid, but the access lid may also prevent contents within the inner shell from falling out of a storage device. An outer lid may also be provided to help prevent spills and leaks from the food storage device.

Abstract: The sink based toiletry organizer with integrated drain is an organizer adapted for use with toiletries. The sink based toiletry organizer with integrated drain stores in an organized manner commonly used bathroom accessories including, but not limited to, soap, toothpaste, a plurality of toothbrushes and one or more razors. The sink based toiletry organizer with integrated drain further comprises a drainage system to drain water that accumulates within the sink based toiletry organizer with integrated drain directly into the sink. The sink based toiletry organizer with integrated drain is a multi-section structure wherein each section of the multi-section structure is intended to contain a specific type of sanitary equipment or toilet accessory. The sink based toiletry organizer with integrated drain comprises a multi-section structure.

Abstract: A method of making a bathtub providing safe egress by reducing slide forces extended on a user's feet upon a slippery bathtub floor, wherein the formed bathtub has a limited rectangular footprint, and an optimized floor space is formed with a substantially planar base with a length and width that define the limited rectangular footprint and a front wall, a back wall, a first side wall and a second side wall integral with and extending substantially vertically upwards from the substantially planar base. Each of the front, back, first side wall and second side wall have minimal wall thicknesses to define the optimized floor space and the front wall has a substantially planar inwardly, cantilevered upper apron deck in a substantially parallel relation to the substantially planar base.

Abstract: A liquid soap filling device is provided. The liquid soap filling device includes a body member having an upper portion and lower portion. The upper portion includes an inner volume accessible through an opening in a top surface of the upper portion. The inner volume receives a measured amount of liquid soap through the opening. The lower portion includes a frustoconical shaped inner volume and a valve system, wherein the valve system controls the dispensing of the liquid soap from within the inner volume of the upper portion through the frustoconical shaped inner volume of the lower portion and through a fill port of the lower portion and into an under-counter dispenser container.

Abstract: An energy storage device, like for example a supercapacitor, is used to provide power to activate a motor for dispensing a dosed amount of hand care product. The energy storage device or supercapacitor is recharged from an energy supply source, e.g. batteries, integrated into the replaceable refill reservoir and/or mounted into the dispenser housing. A controller directs energy discharged from the energy supply source(s) at one of a plurality of discharge energy rates for recharging the energy storage device. Depending on the number of dispense events that occur with a given time interval, the controller may vary the rate at which the energy is discharged from the energy supply source(s) to recharge the energy storage device.

Abstract: A holder for body scrubbers or synthetic loofas, which consumers everywhere love to use while bathing and showering. Liquid soap can be added to the dispenser in the holder, and it will be distributed through the sponge, making it easier to enjoy the fragrance and feel of one's favorite liquid soap while bathing.

Abstract: An improved sponge apparatus is a body washing sponge device with a liquid soap reservoir, which automatically releases liquid soap in controlled amounts onto the sponge-like material through apertures in the main body, and is able to be used multiple times before refilling the reservoir.

Abstract: A sink system including a vent for receiving forced air into the sink from a dryer. A vent ring may be located between a sink basin and a sink deck forming the vents. The dryer may be included in a fixture housing with a faucet as a combination. The sink deck may include a vent lip that directs forced air into the vent. The vent lip extends into a basin region beyond the vent. The vent ring may be affixed to the sink deck or to the sink basin.

Abstract: A collapsible seating assembly including a bi-directionally expandable support frame, a carrying handle, a collapsible backrest/shield, height-adjustable legs, and a collapsible seating surface. The seating surface can make available via a through-opening an underlying toilet bowl, a toilet opening or a collection bag. Components of the assembly are collapsible and expandable such that the assembly can be converted by a user between a compact transportable mode and an expanded deployed mode.

Abstract: An automatic seat lowering device for lowering a toilet seat after use and teaching a child to use the toilet. The automatic seat lowering device includes a housing, a seat lowering arm, and a laser pointing arm, wherein both arms are pivotally secured to the housing. The seat lowering arm is movable between an upright configuration wherein the toilet seat is able to rest thereagainst and a lowered configuration wherein the seat lowering arm rotates so as to lower the toilet seat. A controller is operably connected to a timer disposed on the housing and operably connected to the seat lowering arm so as to automatically move the seat lowering arm, causing the toilet seat to be lowered after the timer has expired. The laser pointing arm can be directed to point to the interior of a toilet bowl so as to indicate to a child where to urinate.

Abstract: A filtration system to filter air from a waste vessel includes: a fan assembly having a fan and an air flow channel in fluid communication with the waste vessel to draw air from the waste vessel; a housing interposing the waste vessel and the fan assembly, the housing having a filter receptacle to receive a filter unit therein, the received filter unit being in fluid communication with the air flow channel wherein the fan assembly draws air through the filter unit to exhaust the air out of the air flow channel; an activator to activate the fan assembly; and, a decimator for killing or eliminating particulate matter in the air flow.

Abstract: A compact machine for cleaning floors includes a solution tank and dispensing system for dispensing solution onto the surface to be cleaned, a deck assembly for guiding dirty solution to a recovery pickup point, a mechanically operated pump for collecting the dirty solution from the recovery pickup point, and a recovery tank for receiving the collected fluid.

Abstract: A compact machine for cleaning floors includes a solution tank and dispensing system for dispensing solution onto the surface to be cleaned, a deck assembly for guiding dirty solution to a recovery pickup point, a mechanically operated pump for collecting the dirty solution from the recovery pickup point, and a recovery tank for receiving the collected fluid.

Abstract: A horizontally vibrating brush for an automated robotic vacuum to agitate carpet fibers and like materials in a horizontal rather than vertical plane to loosen debris during vacuuming without causing debris to become more deeply embedded.

Abstract: The invention relates to a vacuum cleaning apparatus comprising a vacuum cleaner and a filter bag.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner is provided. The vacuum cleaner includes an imaging unit configured to image a floor and generate a captured image, a storage unit configured to store a plurality of pieces of floor information that identify different types of floors and suction intensity information of the vacuum cleaner corresponding to each of the plurality of pieces of floor information, and a controller configured to search for floor information corresponding to the generated captured image among the plurality of pieces of floor information, and control a suction intensity of the vacuum cleaner using suction intensity information corresponding to the searched floor information.

Abstract: A cleaning system comprising a rotor; an agitator; a rechargeable battery having a housing and at least two cells within the housing; a suction motor receiving power from the rechargeable battery, the suction motor coupled to the rotor; a brush motor receiving power from the rechargeable battery, the brush motor coupled to the agitator; a user-controlled switch configured to generate a user-activated signal in response to user manipulation; and a controller. The controller configured to output a first pulse-width modulated signal at a first duty cycle to control the suction motor, output a second pulse-width modulated signal at a second duty cycle to control the brush motor at a first speed, receive the user-activated signal, and upon receiving the user-activated signal, output the second pulse-width modulated signal at a third duty cycle to control the brush motor at a second speed.

Abstract: An example robot includes a body that is movable relative to a surface, a bumper mounted on the body to enable movement of the bumper relative to the body, a sensor to produce a signal in response to the movement of the bumper relative to the body caused by contact between the bumper and the surface, and a controller to control movement of the body to cause the body to track the surface based on a value. The bumper is movable between an uncompressed position relative to the body and a compressed position relative to the body. The signal varies linearly with the movement of the bumper relative to the body. The value is based on the signal and indicates that the bumper in a partially compressed position has a compression range between the uncompressed position and the compressed position.

Abstract: A cleaning device is provided that includes a housing, a cleaning head, a flexible pouch, a cleaning element, and a spray nozzle. The housing defines an internal cavity having a power source in selective electrical communication with a pump. The flexible pouch is removably stored in the housing and includes a cleaning fluid therein. The pouch forms a fluid and air tight connection with an inlet of the pump. The cleaning element is connected to the cleaning head and has a first spray opening. The spray nozzle is in fluid communication with an outlet of the pump. The spray nozzle is positioned on the cleaning head so as to spray the cleaning fluid from the flexible pouch through the first opening onto a surface being cleaned.

Abstract: A stemware holder for a dishwashing rack has a central shaft. The stemware holder also has a holding portion that has a stemware receiving area defined by a first set of prongs and extends from the central shaft in a first direction. The first set of prongs is adapted to hold a portion of a piece of stemware in the receiving area. The stemware holder further has a securing portion that has a dishwasher rack receiving area defined by a second set of prongs and extends from the central shaft in a second direction that is at an angle from the first direction. The second set of prongs is adapted to receive a portion of the dishwasher rack and secure the stemware holder to the dishwashing rack.

Abstract: A bleeding detection unit in a surgical system processes information in an acquired scene before that scene is presented on a display unit in the operating room. For example, the bleeding detection unit analyzes the pixel data in the acquired scene and determines whether there are one or more initial sites of blood in the scene. Upon detection of an initial site of blood, the region is identified by an initial site icon in the scene displayed on the display unit. In one aspect, the processing is done in real-time which means that there is no substantial delay in presenting the acquired scene to the surgeon.

Abstract: An image processing system includes: a light source portion configured to emit illuminating light to be radiated to an object; a light receiving optical member for guiding return light from the object: a light detecting portion configured to receive the return light caused to be incident through the light receiving optical member to generate an electric signal, amplify the generated electric signal, convert the amplified electric signal to a digital signal and output the digital signal; an image processing portion configured to generate an image based on the digital signal outputted from the light detecting portion and perform gain adjustment for the generated image; and a parameter adjusting portion configured to adjust a predetermined parameter based on a variable range of an output value of the light source portion and a variable range of a gain value in the gain adjustment.

Abstract: An image processing device includes a processor including hardware. The processor is configured to: identify an image selected according to a user input operation received by an input device, from among a plurality of first images acquired by a capsule endoscope, as an identified image; determine whether or not the identified image is one of a plurality of second images acquired during a reciprocating movement of the capsule endoscope; and in response to the identified image being determined to be one of the plurality of second images, extract an image acquired in a first forward path or a last forward path of the reciprocating movement from among the plurality of second images.

Abstract: An insertion apparatus includes an insertion section, a motor that rotates a rotational housing, a drive control unit that supplies a driving current to the motor to control driving of the motor, a driving current detector that detects the driving current flowing through the motor, a torque limit value storage unit that stores a torque limit value, a temperature detector detects a temperature of the rotational housing, a temperature measurement unit that measures a temperature in a vicinity of the rotational housing based on a detection result obtained from the temperature detector, and a torque limit value correction unit that corrects the torque limit value in accordance with the temperature measured by the temperature measurement unit.

Abstract: An endoscope includes a partition wall to shield an inner side space and an outer side space, a cylindrical body including an internal wall surface coupled to the partition wall to be capable of being water tight, and forming a communication hole communicating with the inner side space, and including a through-hole piercing through the internal wall surface to an outer circumference, a valve body fixed to the communication hole keeping watertightness and including a check valve section opening and closing according to a pressure difference between the inner side space and the outer side space, a first frame body provided on an outer circumference side of the cylindrical body and is capable of operating in an axial direction of the cylindrical body, a second frame body sheathed over the cylindrical body and the first frame body keeping watertightness, and forming a first space communicating with the through-hole.

Abstract: An endoscope with a viewing angle that can be adjusted within a predetermined angular range includes a movable light-diverting device on the distal end of the endoscope on whose orientation the viewing angle of the endoscope depends, and a jointed device to movably hold the light-diverting device. The jointed device is configured for a movement of the light-diverting device that includes more than only a pivoting about a single pivot axis.

Abstract: A blade insert illumination system includes one or more illumination elements composed of a transparent or semitransparent polymer that is preferably biocompatible and sterilizable. The illumination elements operate as a waveguide and may incorporate optical components such as, for example, facets, lenses, gratings, prisms and or diffusers to operate as precision optics for customized delivery of the light energy. The illumination elements may be modular, allowing components to be mixed and matched for different sizes of blade retractors, or may be a single integrated unit.

Abstract: A scanning endoscope includes: an optical fiber that emits an illuminating light from a distal end; an actuator that causes a distal end of the optical fiber to oscillate; a fixing block that fixes the optical fiber; and a propagation portion that is provided in close contact with an outer circumferential face of a cladding of the optical fiber at a position on the distal end side relative to the fixing block, and on which, among the illuminating light, light that reaches the outer circumferential face of the cladding is incident and is propagated or absorbed inside the propagation portion.

Abstract: An endoscope reprocessor includes a medicinal solution tank configured to store a medicinal solution; a first detachable portion provided in the medicinal solution tank and configured to detachably hold the concentration meter such that a measuring surface of the concentration meter is placed in the medicinal solution tank; a preserving fluid tank configured to store a preserving fluid of the concentration meter; and a second detachable portion provided in the preserving fluid tank and configured to detachably hold the concentration meter such that the measuring surface of the concentration meter is placed in the preserving fluid tank.

Abstract: The viewing device for the interior of a mouth of a patient includes a penetrating ray emitter adapted to take a view of an inner portion located under an outer surface of an organ arranged in the mouth. There is a pair of augmented-reality glasses having an optical glass through which a user of the pair of glasses can see the interior of the mouth and a viewing camera adapted to take an image of what the user sees through the optical glass. A central unit correlates first images corresponding to those taken by the viewing camera with second images corresponding to those taken by the penetrating-ray emitter.

Abstract: Endoscopic cannulas and methods of their use are disclosed. In some embodiments, an endoscopic cannula may include an elongated body having a proximal end and a distal end. A viewing channel and a working channel may extend through the elongated body. The viewing channel can be configured for passing therethrough an endoscope to the distal end of the elongated body for viewing outside the elongated body, while the working channel can be configured for passing therethrough an injection needle distally of the elongated body. The cannula may also include a suction pod disposed on a bottom surface of the elongated member, the suction pod being in communication with a suction channel extending through the elongated body to create suction between the suction pod and a tissue surface to temporary attach the elongated body to the tissue surface.

Abstract: A system for direct imaging and diagnosing of abnormal cells in a target tissue includes an image acquisition system comprising a plurality of independently movable optical elements. The image acquisition system is arranged to capture at least one of a single image or multiple images or video of cells within the target tissue using at least one of bright field or dark field source divided into independently operated segments to obtain a plurality of data sets. An image analysis and control unit in communication with the image acquisition system analyzes the data sets and applies algorithms to the data sets for diagnosing abnormal cells.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods of evaluating efficacy of a treatment in a subject having eye inflammation (e.g., a subject having dry eye syndrome) and selecting a subject for participation in a clinical study. Also provided are methods of treating a subject having eye inflammation (e.g., a subject having dry eye syndrome).

Abstract: Systems and methods for improving the assessment of disruption or abnormalities to retinal layers are presented. The disruptions are detected by analyzing at least one segmented boundary of optical coherence tomography data. Several different types of analysis can be used alone or in combination to make an assessment of the level of disruption to the particular boundary or layer defined by the boundary. The results can be presented as an end face image and quantified to report an amount of disruption. In one embodiment, a method for determining the disruption to the photoreceptor outer segment is described.

Abstract: Methods for spectroscopic analysis of biological tissues to classify an individual as diabetic or non-diabetic, or to determine the probability, progression or level of a disease or medical condition in an individual.

Abstract: A contact lens is placed on a patient's eye during ophthalmic surgery, such as vitreoretinal surgery. The contact lens rests on a cornea of an eye of a patient during the surgery and is supported by a contact lens mounting speculum having multiple degrees of freedom to accommodate small movements of the eye while enabling alignment to an optical axis of the surgical microscope. The contact lens mounting speculum may be used with different patients, speculum blades, contact lenses (direct and indirect), and lens mounting positions.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for performing a photorefractive assessment. The system comprises a computing device including an image-capturing device, a display device, and a computer application that is executable on the computing device and operable to perform a method including receiving input specifying subject information, capturing an image using the image-capturing device containing eye pupils of a subject, and analyzing the image captured to determine a distance between the subject and the image-capturing device using the subject information and predetermined interpupilary distance information. A remediation action may be performed if the distance determined is not within an appropriate distance range for the photorefractive assessment. An illuminance level of the environment may be analyzed using the image captured to determine whether lighting conditions are appropriate for performing the photorefractive assessment.

Abstract: Systems and method for monitoring patient physiological data are presented herein. In one embodiment, a physiological sensor and a mobile computing device can be connected via a cable or cables, and a processing board can be connected between the sensor and the mobile computing device to conduct advanced signal processing on the data received from the sensor before the data is transmitted for display on the mobile computing device.

Abstract: Systems and method for utilizing energy harvesting techniques to power a battery-less wireless medical sensor to perform intermittent operations are disclosed. The systems may include one or more sensing components configured to generate data related to one or more physiological parameters by performing intermittent measurements on a patient. The systems and method may include wireless communication circuitry configured to wirelessly transmit the data to a monitor. The monitor may be configured to operate with the battery-less wireless medical sensor or may download required operational algorithms if needed. The intermittent measurement and transmission may be asynchronously executed. The systems and method may include a processing device configured to determine when to perform the intermittent measurement and transmit data based at least upon a power source energy level, a rate at which to perform the intermittent measurement and transmit data, a prioritization, or a triggering event.

Abstract: A measurement device includes: a measurement portion that acquires measurement data; a setting portion that specifies an external device as a transmission destination of the measurement data based on a signal transmitted from the external device, and allows communication with the external device without receiving input of authentication information; and a transmission and reception portion that transmits measurement data to the external device. The setting portion causes the transmission and reception portion to transmit identification information of the measurement device to the external device, and further to transmit confirmation information thereto in addition to the identification information. The confirmation information is used by the external device to decide whether or not the external device can handle the measurement data transmitted from the measurement device.

Abstract: Multimodal optical and magnetic resonance imaging methods based on the use of persistent luminescence nanoparticles. Use of mesoporous persistent luminescence <<core-shell>> complexes for theranostic applications.

Abstract: Endoscopes and wands, useful for near infrared imaging, particularly for medical purposes, have transmitting members that transmit between about 95% and 99.5% of the energy at a wavelength within the infrared spectrum. The wands and endoscopes have at least one channel for transmitting and receiving light in the visible spectrum and at least one channel for transmitting and receiving light in the infrared spectrum.

Abstract: A diagnostic instrument comprises a monochromatic light source, transmission means to transmit light from the light source to a test site, collection means to transmit scattered light from the test site, and spectral analysis apparatus to receive light from the collection means, the spectral analysis apparatus comprising a diffraction grating having a first grating element and a second grating element, wherein the first grating element diffracts light within a first wavelength range and the second grating element diffracts light within a second wavelength range, the spectral analysis apparatus further comprising a light-sensing apparatus, the first grating element arranged to diffract light onto a first area of the light-sensing apparatus and the second grating element arranged to diffract light onto a second area of the light-sensing apparatus.

Abstract: Multispectral images, including ultraviolet light and its interactions with ultraviolet light-interactive compounds, can be captured, processed, and represented to a user. Ultraviolet-light related information can be conveniently provided to a user to allow the user to have awareness of UV characteristics and the user's risk to UV exposure.