Abstract: A cooking unit includes a plurality of vertically oriented cooking slots and a loader for staging a volume of individual food products for transfer to the plurality of vertically oriented cooking slots. The loader is configured to position a plurality of individual food products in a first orientation, and the loader is configured to change the orientation of the plurality of individual food products to a second orientation for parallel transfer of the plurality of individual food products from the loader to the plurality of cooking slots. The loader may be rotatable rotatable between a first orientation, where each of the load slots is oriented to support a single food product, and a second orientation, where a plurality of single food products moves from a respective one of the plurality of load slots to a respective one of the plurality of vertically oriented cooking slots.

Abstract: An easily assembled blender with an internal frame holding a cupholder elevator assembly, a mix motor assembly, a food preparation chamber, a water heater assembly and a steamer assembly. The water heater and steamer assemblies are preferably on modular trays that slide into the internal frame. The water heater preferably also serves as a hot water reservoir and, to avoid overheating, has its heating coil located near its bottom. To resist scale deposits, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) tubing is preferably used to transport steam from the steamer to the food preparation chamber. To expedite manufacture, a spring-biased idler assembly with a drive belt for the cupholder elevator assembly preferably snaps into a lower receiving port on the internal frame. Crisscrossing infrared light beams are preferably placed at the entrance of the food preparation chamber to detect whether the cup entering the chamber is the correct size and detect whether any foreign object is below the food preparation chamber.

Abstract: In order to provide a processor in which a reception space occupied by a body thereof may be decreased when it is not used, a container may be mounted on and detached from the body without being hindered, visibility of an inner portion of the container may be improved, and noise generated at the time of an operation may be decreased, a soundproofing cover is mounted on the body so as to cover the container, is detachable from the body to be completely separated from the body, and has an internal space closed by closure of an opening of one end thereof by the body. One end portion of a first vacuum tube is disposed to be exposed to an upper surface of the body and is connected to one end portion of a second vacuum tube.

Abstract: A mixing bowl has a base with sidewalls extending upwardly and convexly therefrom and terminating in an upper peripheral rim, the rim defining an open mouth with the inner surface of the sidewalls defining the interior of the mixing bowl and the outer surface of the sidewalls defining the exterior of the mixing bowl, the interior of the mixing bowl being concave; and a plate and two support legs coupling the plate to the base, the support legs defining an aperture between the plate and the base, the aperture being sized so as to receive at least three fingers of a user.

Abstract: A versatile food processing system that can work with plurality of top-mounted food processing units of different types and sizes is disclosed. The motor base of the food processing system has a locking mechanism and safety actuators at different radial locations so that food processing units of different sizes can utilities the safety mechanism. One particular processing unit is especially useful for making noodles and vegetable strips. The processing unit comprises a stationary outer vessel and a rotating inner vessel. Blades are located on an inner lid of the inner vessel. The inner vessel spins in unison with the inner lid without a central shaft to avoid harm caused by the shaft to the quality of the resulting noodles.

Abstract: A blending appliance includes a housing having a motor compartment and a jar receiving portion spaced laterally therefrom. The jar receiving portion is disposed below an upper housing. A motor is disposed in the motor compartment is adapted to drive a blade assembly of the jar through a magnetic coupling system. The motor is connected to a blade assembly disposed within the jar through a series of gears or belts, and finally through a magnetic coupler. The magnetic coupler is configured such that it stores kinetic energy while the motor is running at a high speed, and releases the stored energy when the motor is running at a slower speed.

Abstract: A storage container for bread includes a housing that defines an internal space. The housing has a top that is open. The container comprises a lid that is extendible. The lid is substantially complementary to the top when the lid is in a fully extended configuration. The lid is biased to a contracted configuration such that the lid selectively conforms to a partial loaf of bread. A detector is coupled to the housing. The top is positioned in the housing such that the housing is configured to insert a loaf of bread through the top into the internal space. The lid is sealably and slidably couplable to the housing to close the top and seal the internal space. The detector is configured to measure and indicate the pressure differential between the internal space and the atmospheric pressure.

Abstract: A fluid dispenser having a housing with a cover coupled to the housing for movement between a closed position and an open position and a lifting member coupled to the housing between the housing and the cover whereby movement of the lifting member as guided by the housing moves the cover between the open position and the closed position.

Abstract: A dispenser includes a spiral-shaped body having a first end and a second end. The body defines an internal volume and an opening that provides a path of fluid communication between the internal volume and an exterior of the body. A composition is in the internal volume.

Abstract: Liquid product pump devices, systems, and methods of using the same. An exemplary system of the present disclosure comprises a device, comprising a pump mechanism coupled to a receiving tube whereby a distal end of the receiving tube extends into a skirt, wherein when the skirt is attached to a neck of an bottle having liquid contents therein and wherein when the device rests within or upon a pump base, pressing the inverted bottle and the pump base toward one another causes a portion of the liquid contents to transfer from the inverted bottle and out of the pump base, and further comprises the bottle and the pump base.

Abstract: A dispenser includes a body defining an internal volume and an opening that provides a path of fluid communication between the internal volume and an exterior of the body. A first tubular member extends through the opening. A length of the first tubular member is greater than or equal to about 150% of a height of the body. In response to squeezing the body, a composition in the internal volume flows out of the body through the opening and into the first tubular member.

Abstract: A dispenser includes a body having a lower portion and an upper portion. The lower portion of the body is substantially dome-shaped. The lower portion of the body has a first density. The upper portion of the body defines an internal volume. The internal volume is configured to receive a composition that has a second density that is less than the first density.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a paper towel product that will capably separate from the paper towel roll as a full sheet, a half sheet or a quarter sheet. A method of making a paper towel with machine direction perforations is also disclosed.

Abstract: Embodiments of a towel notification and dispensing device are provided. Some embodiments include a towel compartment that receives a fresh towel, a compartment door that provides access to the towel compartment, and a sensor that detects when the fresh towel has been removed from the towel compartment. Some embodiments include an output device that, in response to a determination that the fresh towel has been removed from the towel compartment provides an indication that the fresh towel needs to be replaced.

Abstract: A product dispenser for the dispensing of a product which will show active visual content to proximate viewers. A visual display module is attached to a user-facing surface of the dispenser cover of a product dispenser, to display active visual content to viewers. The active visual content displayed on the active media surface of the dispenser cover could take many forms including changing electronic displays or a translucent surface which can be optionally illuminated or emphasized based on a controller and power source. The product dispenser can be supplied with the visual display module in place on the dispenser cover, or an OEM product dispenser with an insert blank in place on the dispenser cover could also be sold into which the visual display module could be later installed. A media-ready dispenser cover which could be used to retrofit an existing product dispenser with the ability to receive a visual display module is also disclosed.

Abstract: A toilet paper holding system for holding a roll of toilet paper includes a pair of arms that are each coupled to a vertical support surface having the arms being spaced apart from each other. A holder is hingedly coupled between the pair of arms. The holder is selectively positioned in an open position to have a roll of toilet paper positioned thereon. The holder is selectively positioned in a closed position to retain the roll of toilet paper between the arms.

Abstract: Toilet bowl cleaning systems are described. The toilet bowl cleaning system incorporates a reusable handle and one or more dissolvable cleaning heads configured to engage with the reusable handle. The dissolvable cleaning heads are formed of a cleaning material that dissolves over a predetermined time when exposed to water. The reusable handle has an interconnecting end that is provided with an engagement point that cooperatively interacts with the dissolvable head to provide a secure connection. The connection may be physical, such as frictional or mechanical in nature. The connection may be chemical in nature, such as an adhesive that may be activated via a liquid, such as water.

Abstract: In an embodiment, an apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes a toilet seat. The apparatus also includes a first set of actuators coupled to the toilet seat and a second set of actuators coupled to the toilet seat. The apparatus includes a toilet base coupled to the first set of actuators and the second set of actuators. The apparatus further includes a controller coupled to the first set of actuators and the second set of actuators and a power supply coupled to the first set of actuators and the second set of actuators. The apparatus may also include a first support plate attached to a top of the first set of actuators and a top of the second set of actuators. The toilet seat may be attached to a top surface of the first support plate above a through-hole extending through the first support plate. The apparatus may also include a second support plate attached to a bottom of the first set of actuators and a bottom of the second set of actuators.

Abstract: A toilet is disclosed which includes a toilet bowl having an inner space defined therein and having a top portion having a first opening and a top edge around the first opening; a seat mounted on the top edge so as to pivotally move relative to the bowl, wherein the seat has a second opening defined therein, communicating with the first opening; and a lid to cover the seat so as to pivotally move relative to the bowl, wherein the lid has an outer portion corresponding to the seat, and an inner portion protruding downwardly from the outer portion, and wherein when the lid is mounted on the seat, the inner portion fits into the second opening in the seat.

Abstract: An upright surface cleaning apparatus comprises an upper section moveably mounted to the surface cleaning head between a floor cleaning position, in which the upright surface cleaning apparatus is useable for cleaning a floor, and a storage position. The storage position includes a storage orientation of the upper section relative to the surface cleaning head wherein the upper section is stable in the storage position. The upright surface cleaning apparatus further comprises an anti-rotation locking mechanism that automatically engages when the upper section is moved into the storage position and inhibits changes in orientation of the upper section once the upper section is in the storage position. The upright surface cleaning apparatus further comprises a cleaning unit that is removably mounted to the upper section and is removable while the upper section is in the storage position.

Abstract: An improved wet/dry vacuum device is provided. The device comprises features for enhancing the portability, mobility and usefulness of existing wet/dry vacuums and canister vacuum devices. Features of devices of the present disclosure include, but are not limited to, hose storage features, accessory storage features, and power cord management features.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner comprises a housing; a motor fan assembly mounted in the housing; a pivotable inlet nozzle in fluid communication with the motor fan assembly; and a dirt container coupled to the pivotable inlet nozzle and the housing. The pivotable inlet nozzle is pivotable a first operable position whereby the pivotable inlet nozzle is in fluid communication with a flexible hose mounted on the housing and a second operable position whereby the pivotable inlet nozzle projects from the housing and is remote from the flexible hose.

Abstract: An outer rotor motor includes an inner stator and an outer rotor. The inner stator includes a stator frame and a stator unit mounted to the stator frame. The outer rotor includes a shaft and a rotor unit fixed to the shaft. The stator frame is integrally formed from plastic as an integral structure and comprises a base and a hub extending from the base, the hub forms a chamber therein, supporting components are installed in the chamber, and the shaft extends into the chamber and supported by the supporting components such that the shaft is rotatable relative to the stator frame. In the present invention, the stator frame has an integral structure made of plastic which simplifies the structure of the motor and reduces the cost of the motor. The present invention further provides a vacuum cleaner that employs the motor.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner comprises: a housing and a motor fan assembly mounted in the housing, the motor fan assembly arranged to generate an air flow. A removable dirt container is mountable on the housing and in fluid communication with a dirty air inlet and the motor fan assembly. A moveable dirt compactor is mounted in the dirt container and moveable between a stowed position and a dirt compacting position wherein the moveable dirt compactor is closer to one end of the dirt container in the dirt compacting position than in the stowed position. Wherein the dirt container comprises a primary handle for actuating the moveable dirt compactor with a first hand and a first auxiliary handle for allowing the user to grip with a second hand.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner comprising: a housing; a motor fan assembly arranged to generate an air flow; a dirt container in fluid communication with a dirty air inlet and the motor fan assembly; a moveable dirt compactor mounted in the dirt container and moveable between a stowed position and a dirt compacting position wherein the moveable dirt compactor is closer to one end of the dirt container in the dirt compacting position than in the stowed position, wherein the movable dirt compactor is shaped so as to allow dirt within the dirt container located on one side of the dirt compactor to pass to the other side of the dirt compactor; and a detector switch coupled to the moveable dirt compactor, the detector switch configured to open an electrical circuit and interrupt power supplied to the motor fan assembly when the moveable dirt compactor moves towards the dirt compacting position and urges dirt towards the one end of the dirt container.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner comprises a housing and a motor fan assembly arranged to generate an air flow. A detachable dirt container is mountable to the housing and the dirt container has a dirty air inlet in fluid communication with the motor fan assembly. A filter is for separating dirt from the air flow and the filter is mounted between the dirt container and the motor fan assembly. Wherein the detachable dirt container comprises an emptying aperture in a wall of the dirt container, the emptying aperture being downstream in the air flow from the dirty air inlet and upstream of the filter. Wherein the housing comprises an overlap portion for covering the emptying aperture in the dirt container and sealing the emptying aperture when the detachable dirt container is mounted to the housing.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner comprises a housing and a motor fan assembly arranged to generate an air flow. A detachable dirt container is mountable to the housing; the dirt container having a dirty air inlet in fluid communication with the motor fan assembly. A filter is for separating dirt from the air flow, the filter being mounted between the dirt container and the motor fan assembly. The housing comprises at least one air outlet for exhausting clean air from the motor fan assembly. Wherein the detachable dirt container comprises at least one projecting lip arranged to overlap the at least one air outlet when the detachable dirt container is mounted on the housing and direct the air flow away from the dirty air inlet.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a cleaning tool. The cleaning tool includes a chainmail outer shell and a sponge inner core. The outer shell is formed of chainmail material and is formed to lift and stubborn grime. The inner sponge core is formed to absorb liquid, such as water, and hold cleaning detergent.

Abstract: A dishwasher may include a sump configured to store water, a main arm disposed at the sump and configured to supply water from the sump, an auxiliary arm rotatably disposed at the main arm and configured to spray water, and an auxiliary arm connection member disposed at the main arm and configured to rotatably support the auxiliary arm, where the auxiliary arm may include an auxiliary flow passage configured to allow water flow through the auxiliary arm, where the main arm may include a transfer flow passage in fluid communication with the auxiliary flow passage, where the auxiliary arm connection member may include a flow tube disposed at the main arm in fluid communication with the transfer flow passage and the auxiliary flow passage.

Abstract: A dishwasher with a tub and a recirculation pump, which includes a housing defining a chamber and having an inlet fluidly coupled to the tub and an outlet fluidly coupled to the tub, an impeller rotatably mounted within the chamber and expelling liquid from the chamber through the outlet, and a filter fluidly disposed between the inlet and the outlet.

Abstract: A dishwasher appliance is provided having a drain pump assembly including a hub mounted to a drive shaft that is driven in a first direction during a drain cycle and in a second direction during a wash/rinse cycle. One or more vanes are mounted to the hub and are rotatable between a retracted position during the drain cycle and an extended position during the wash/rinse cycle. A biasing member is mounted to each vane for urging the vanes to the retracted position to counteract the centrifugal force exerted on the vanes during operation. In this manner, the drain pump assembly pumps wash fluid during a drain cycle but does not pump wash fluid during a wash cycle.

Abstract: A pump for regenerating a decalcifying device of a dishwasher. The pump brings about a flow of regenerating brine in a chamber containing substances with water-softening properties of a decalcifying device of a dishwashing machine. The pump includes: a body (10) in which a brine inflow conduit (16) provided with a one-way valve (18) and a brine outflow conduit (12) provided with a one-way valve (14) are defined; a solenoid (20) having a longitudinal axis (24) and arranged within the body (10); and a core controlled by the solenoid (20), mobile along the axis (24), provided with return elastic means and having an upper end associated to the body (10) and a lower end connected to a centre portion of a membrane (44), whose peripheral portion is fixed to the body (10).

Abstract: A pump inlet assembly and method of operating a dishwasher appliance are provided. The pump inlet assembly includes an inlet conduit providing fluid communication between a sump and a pump. The inlet conduit defines an integrally formed boss which is coupled with a sensor housing using an overmolding process. A pressure sensor is positioned in the sensor housing and is protected from wash fluid by an airgap defined by the boss. The measured pressure may be used to determine the water level within the dishwasher when the pump is not operating and the suction pressure within the inlet conduit when the pump is operating. The inlet conduit, boss, pressure sensor, and pump housing may be integrally formed by injection molding and/or overmolding processes to reduce costs and the likelihood of leaks.

Abstract: A dishwasher includes a tub at least partially defining a treating chamber with an access opening receiving dishes for treatment, a door moveable between an opened position and a closed position along a predetermined arc for selectively closing the access opening, the door having an interior side that faces the treating chamber in the closed position and an exterior side opposite the interior side and a handle extending from the exterior side of the door where a user may grasp the handle to move the door, and a method of using thereof.

Abstract: A dishwasher for treating dishes according to an automatic cycle of operation can comprise a tub defining a treating chamber with an access opening. A door can be selectively moveable to a closed position to close the access opening and can have a metal inner panel with a rear face confronting the treating chamber when the door is in the closed position. The door can have a lower edge overlying a portion of the tub when the door is in the closed position. A ventilating strip can be provided along the lower edge and can have vent openings passing through the strip. A seal can extend between the tub and the ventilating strip when the door is closed to form a liquid seal between the ventilating strip and the tub.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods for cleaning and disinfecting footwear items are disclosed herein. In an aspect, an apparatus is disclosed comprising an ultraviolet light element configured to emit ultraviolet light toward a top covering element configured to receive one or more contaminated item, wherein the ultraviolet light element is located within a lower frame element. In another aspect, a grating element is disclosed comprising a frame of bars configured to support the one or more contaminated item; wherein the grating element is a ceiling enclosure portion of the lower frame element. In yet another aspect, a brush frame element mounted to an underside of the grating element is disclosed, wherein the brush frame element comprises a set of brush strips configured to protrude through at least one space between the frame bars.

Abstract: There is disclosed an imaging system for use in imaging a sample. The imaging system comprising a light source and a light detector. A probe optically coupled to the imaging assembly. The probe being configured to, during use, direct light from the light source to a focal point to illuminate the sample, and from the focal point to the light detector. The probe having a tunable liquid crystal lens (TLCL) assembly comprising at least one pair of TLCLs, the TLCLs of the pair being superposed to one another, a gradient-index (GRIN) lens assembly having a base being optically connected to the TLCL assembly, and a tip opposite to the base. The focal point being at a working distance from the tip. The working distance being adjustable relative to the tip by tuning each TLCL of the TLCL assembly during use.

Abstract: An endoscope system includes: an insertion part having a bending part; an observation unit; an operation unit configured to operate the bending part; a driving mechanism configured to generate a driving force used to drive the bending part; a control unit configured to control the driving mechanism; and a display unit configured to display a visual field image acquired by the observation unit, wherein the control unit has a normal mode and a lock-on mode as control modes, and the control unit is configured to stop an automatic driving of the bending part temporarily and allow the operation unit to perform a resetting of an interested position when an output from the operation unit exceeds a predetermined threshold value, and resume the automatic driving on the basis of the updated interested position when an output from the operation unit satisfies a predetermined termination condition during the lock-on mode.

Abstract: A handheld surgical endoscope has a disposable, single-use portion that includes a and a re-usable portion that includes a handle and display module. The distal tip includes LED illumination and an imaging module that feeds live video to the display module. The imaging module includes a lens system of no more than two lenses and provides the imaging module with a field of view greater than 120 degrees, preferably 130 degrees or more, and most preferably 140 degrees or more. LED illumination is provided by plural LED arranged symmetrically around an optical axis to provide a field of illumination that substantially coincides with the field of view of an imaging module. An image brightness balance arrangement selectively varies the illumination provided by different LEDs to reduce brightness differences between different areas of the displayed images.

Abstract: Methods and devices are described for performing a combined hysteroscopy and endometrial sampling. Techniques for improving visual images include forward facing fluid ports for clearing tissue debris and LED positioning and design. Manufacturability is improved through separately formed tip and shaft pieces. User interface features are described including user-friendly handle-mounted buttons as well the use of an interactive integrated touch screen display. The handle and display can be mated to a docking station for storage and recharging batteries.

Abstract: Systems and methods herein are directed to an endoscopic device with a drip flange, including the assembly and use of the endoscopic device. The endoscopic device with a drip flange may be positioned to abut an aperture into an operative cavity and inserted through the aperture. An endoscopic procedure may be performed, during which fluid moves along an outside surface of the elongate shaft, the fluid moving from the distal end toward the proximal end, and where the fluid is directed to a drip flange coupled to the outside surface of the elongate shaft between the distal tip and a proximal end of the elongate shaft.

Abstract: An insertion device may include a hollow handle and a shaft extending distally of the hollow handle. The insertion device may also include a cap coupled to a distal end of the shaft. The cap may include a camera and an LED coupled thereto.

Abstract: A cable connection structure includes: a plurality of cables including at least one coaxial cable including a central conductor, an inner insulator, and an outer conductor exposed stepwise at a distal end portion; an aligning member that is in contact with side surfaces of exposed conductive portions of the cables positioned at least at both ends, of the plurality of cables, to align the cables such that axial directions become parallel and outer sheaths of the adjacent cables are in contact with each other; and a board on which an electrode portion that connects the conductive portions of the plurality of cables are arranged. The conductive portions of the plurality of cables are electrically and mechanically connected to the electrode portion of the board via a conductive connecting member and the aligning member.

Abstract: Provided is a medical tube including: a main body; a first lumen formed in the main body in a longitudinal direction of the main body; a plurality of second lumens formed in the main body in the longitudinal direction of the main body, the plurality of second lumens formed about at least a portion of a circumference of the first lumen; a portion of a distal end of the first lumen comprising a first indicator, the first indicator configured to specify a rotational direction position about the longitudinal direction of the main body of any one of the plurality of second lumens with respect to the first lumen; and a portion of the proximal end of the main body comprising a plurality of second indicators, wherein each of the plurality of second indicators are configured to indicate each of the plurality of second lumens specified by the first indicator.

Abstract: Provided is a medical imaging device comprising: a color separation prism that has a dichroic film configured to split light into first light belonging to a visible light wavelength band and second light belonging to a fluorescence wavelength band; a fluorescence image sensor that is provided at an output side of the color separation prism and that is configured to image at least part of the second light belonging to the fluorescence wavelength band separated by the dichroic film; a visible light image sensor that is provided at the output side of the color separation prism and that is configured to image at least part of the first light belonging to the visible light wavelength band separated by the dichroic film; and a bandpass filter that is disposed between the color separation prism and the fluorescence image sensor, wherein the fluorescence image sensor and the visible light image sensor are arranged such that an optical path difference between an optical path length of a fluorescence optical path for t

Abstract: An in-vivo monitoring camera system includes an image capturing portion (camera unit 11) that is capable of being introduced into a body, a support tube (13) that has a connection portion (trocar connection portion 13x) with a tubular tool (trocar 31) which is capable of being introduced into the body on one end side and has a joining portion (protrusion type joining portion 13y) to the image capturing portion on another end side, a cable (camera-side cable 12) that is connected with the image capturing portion and passes through the support tube, and a control system that is electrically connected with the cable and includes at least a display device (18).

Abstract: A device that can be used for in vivo fluorescence measurements by endoscopy or laparoscopy, including: an excitation light source illuminating an object, for example biological tissue, and inducing emission of emission light by the examined object, the emission light is, for example, a fluorescence light; a telemetry sensor emitting a telemetry light beam towards the object; a projector element to project the excitation beam and the telemetry beam directly on the object. The telemetry sensor can estimate a distance between the projector element and the object, which distance makes it possible to modulate intensity of the excitation light emitted by the object. When the object is biological tissue, this makes it possible to comply with illumination thresholds of biological tissue and to maintain an illumination of constant intensity. The projector element can be included at the end of a laparoscope or of an endoscope.

Abstract: A laryngoscope with a blade, a camera, a display and a guiding stylet is disclosed. The blade has a camera accommodation portion, an endotracheal tube passage and a guide channel. The camera is situated in the camera accommodation portion and electrically connected with the display. The guiding stylet is situated inside an endotracheal tube and has a guiding unit which is detachably situated within the guide channel and moves relative to the guide channel.

Abstract: A retractor includes a handle portion, a blade portion coupled to the handle portion. The blade portion is configured for insertion into an internal region of a patient. The blade portion includes a first portion configured to manipulate tissue of the patient. In an embodiment, a locator element is configured to highlight an external region of the patient to indicate to a user the location of the first portion in the internal region. In an embodiment, a signal-transmission medium is coupled to the blade portion and has a port. An overmolded camera unit has a lens and is configured to couple with the port. When the camera unit is coupled with the port, the lens is oriented to capture images of the internal region.

Abstract: System and method directed towards providing full and even illumination of a patient's retina through lighting integrated into a handheld fundus lens. By integrating the lighting, the method and system reduces and even eliminate many lens artifacts and reflections. By increasing the accuracy, quality, and field of view afforded during clinical examination of the retina, the method and system will allow practitioners to make more accurate diagnoses and will increase safety during retinal surgical procedures.