Abstract: The invention relates to a twist-action, portion-control dispenser having a dispenser body, a grip ring attached to an exterior surface of the dispenser body, and a piston movably fitted within the dispenser body and coupled to the grip ring. The piston is configured to move incrementally downwards through the dispenser body when the grip ring is rotated relative to the dispenser body. A sauce pouch is contained within the dispenser body, in contact with the piston, such that sauce is dispensed from the dispenser as the piston is moved incrementally downwards.

Abstract: A grommet of resilient material having a top and bottom circumferential surfaces, wherein the body defining a central passage therethrough and defining a plurality of flanges forming an integral part of the grommet and extending inwardly from the body. The body further comprising an external holding groove extending longitudinally from the rear toward the front and extending completely around the outer periphery thereof to engage edges of the circular aperture of a beverage container. The flanges, when not engaged, forming a closed barrier across the grommet to frictionally create a hermetic seal against the passage of heat, moisture, and vapor therethrough. The flanges, when engaged, bending in a downwardly extending position against the outer surface of a straw and frictionally forming a hermetic seal between the flange and the straw.

Abstract: A tray, platter or carrying structure may include a substantially flat lower surface or panel, a substantially flat upper surface or panel, a first set of side walls extending between the lower surface or panel and the upper surface, and a second set of side walls extending upward from the lower surface. The first and second set of side walls may form, with the lower surface, a compartment for carrying for example drinks, food or other items. The first set of side walls may form with the upper surface an inset for a user to insert a hand to hold the tray. A grip may extend down from or be connected to the upper surface into the inset. A bar may extend from one side wall to another side wall to form an opening surrounded by the bar, two side walls, and the upper surface.

Abstract: A portable retainer apparatus, and more specifically to a portable retainer apparatus adapted to retain a hanger when applied to and/or over a number of different surfaces is provided. Furthermore, the disclosure may further relate to a method for retaining a hanger with the apparatus in order to accord a user the benefit of hanging an apparel article outside or inside of a shower in order to dewrinkle such an article. The subject portable retainer apparatus exhibits the ability to carry such a retainer device and then place, on demand, such a device over a shower rod, shower door, shower door cover, shower wall, and the like, with a proper configuration to dispose of the subject apparel article at a selected distance near or away from a shower curtain or door when in use to maximize the benefits of heated shower moisture and steam for the above-noted purpose.

Abstract: A clothes hanger having a first storage compartment and a second storage compartment wherein the first storage compartment is integrally formed into the body of the clothes hanger. The first storage compartment further includes a first side storage compartment and a second side storage compartment. The first side storage compartment and second side storage compartments are configured within independent access doors. The clothes hanger is further configured with a hook portion that is configured to be surroundably secured and locked to a support rod. The first side compartment and the second side compartment further include interior volumes that are divided into a plurality of storage sections by internal walls. A protective case is provided for the first storage compartment and the second storage compartment. The second storage compartment is secured to the clothes hanger with support rods and wherein the second storage compartment is below the clothes hanger.

Abstract: Examples of the present disclosure are related systems and methods for lead-ins for anti-fatigue floor mats. More particularly, embodiments disclose lead-ins with tapered ends with variable heights that transition from a floor level to a mat surface level to enable drop stitch-mats to be used in residential and commercial areas.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for a curtain rod bracket and cam lock. A tension rod assembly includes a tension rod, a first curtain rod bracket assembly, the first curtain rod bracket assembly including a first bracket base, a first bracket arm and a first friction pad, the first bracket base including a first bracket base front, a first bracket base rear and defining a first friction pad mounting opening that communicates the first bracket base front with the first bracket base rear, and a second curtain bracket assembly, the second curtain rod bracket assembly including a second bracket base, a second bracket arm and a second friction pad, the second bracket base including a second bracket base front, a second bracket base rear and defining a second friction pad mounting opening that communicates the second bracket base front with the second bracket base rear.

Abstract: An extraction unit (10) for extracting cartridges (1a; 1b) of two different heights (ha;hb) comprises a seat (11, 12, 13; 15) for receiving any of the cartridges (1a;1b). The seat is delimited by a first part (11,12,13) and a second part (15) that are relatively movable between an extraction position and a loading and/or ejection position. The first part has a first portion (11,12) and a second portion (13) that are relatively movable to delimit a cavity (12?) having selectively: a first depth (da) for receiving a cartridge (1a) of the first height (ha); and a second depth (db) for receiving a cartridge (1b) of the second height (hb). The seat has a depth detecting arrangement (20), such as a detecting arrangement comprising a control unit (21) connected to sensor (22) via a connection (23). The depth detecting arrangement is configured to detect a relative position of the first portion and the second portion to determine whether the cavity has at least one of the first and second depths.

Abstract: A device for heating an amount of liquid in a container using steam, comprising a steam conduit coaxially arranged in a tubular element which axially extends substantially from the inlet end to the outlet end of the steam conduit from which it is radially spaced thereby forming a first axially-extending annular air gap. Said tubular element is coaxially arranged in a sleeve thereby forming a second axially-extending air gap, said first air gap and said second air gap being closed at both respective axial ends on said tubular element. The steam conduit is made of a polymeric material having a low heat transfer coefficient, the tubular element is made of a metal material and said sleeve is also made of a polymeric material having a low heat transfer coefficient.

Abstract: A capsule has an inlet face C formed by a circular section and a bulge section extending from the circular section so that the inlet face C is not symmetric in rotation. The capsule further has an optically readable code on a side wall of a cup-shaped body of the capsule opposite the bulge section. A beverage production machine has a capsule holder for holding the capsule in the beverage production machine so that the optically readable code can be read by a code reader. Liquid can be supplied to the capsule to produce a nutritional product. The optically readable code and the code reader can be prevented from being contaminated with liquid, vapor, dirt or the like. The beverage production machine can perform an automatic detection of the capsule type and a corresponding automatic setting of preparation parameters.

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

Abstract: A cooking appliance includes an upper housing, a lower housing operatively connected to the upper housing, and a removable baking attachment received on the lower housing. The baking attachment has a bottom surface, a substantially open top and peripheral sidewalls defining a baking cavity.

Abstract: A fuel efficient grill that permits effective direct and indirect cooking, permits movement of the fuel grate and has uniquely shaped air intake slots is provided. Also provided is a hinged deflector or diffuser plate and an adjustable top vent assembly.

Abstract: A fuel efficient grill that permits effective direct and indirect cooking, permits movement of the fuel grate and has uniquely shaped air intake slots is provided.

Abstract: A kitchen appliance has a power switch for controlling supply of power to a motor and a separate control circuit (18) for controlling the speed. A button (14) for control by the user is provided for controlling both the actuation and speed. A carrier (40) carries the button, and also carries a first actuator (44, 86) for mechanically actuating the power switch when the button is first moved. When the button is further moved, the motor speed is controlled.

Abstract: A shower enclosure door system, having a header with a channel defined between first and second ends. The header further has at least first, second, third, and fourth roller assemblies that travel upon the channel. The first and second brackets receive the first and second ends respectively. The first and second brackets mount onto lateral walls to define a shower enclosure. A base assembly comprises third and fourth ends. First and second base brackets mount upon the third and fourth ends respectively. The base assembly mounts onto a mounting surface for the shower enclosure. The first and second brackets support a weight of shower doors of the shower enclosure without side jambs while the shower doors bypass one another.

Abstract: A soap grip for a bar of soap provides a flexible fabric gripping body that extends through a medial portion of a bar of soap so as to extend from a first end and a second end thereof, the gripping body provides finger holes extending outwardly from the ends of the bar of soap to allow for secure gripping of the bar of soap while bathing.

Abstract: A dispenser includes a housing, a cartridge, and a pump assembly. The housing defines an internal volume. The cartridge is coupled with the housing. The pump assembly includes a tube that extends through the cartridge and into the internal volume of the housing. The tube includes a first inlet through which a first liquid is drawn into the tube from the internal volume when the pump assembly is actuated, and a second inlet through which a second liquid is drawn into the tube from the cartridge when the pump assembly is actuated.

Abstract: A character-shaped porous mitt for housing and dispensing soap comprised of an outer body formed from terry cloth or similar material and a sponge-like material lining an interior cavity containing a soap pocket in which to hold bar or liquid soap that is fastened using a hook-and-loop fastener. An area at the mouth, the body or the rear of the mitt through which the bar of soap or the liquid soap can be received and housed until the soap mixes with water to produce a rich lather with which to cleanse a user's body. Finger pockets or loops are configured to receive the fingers of a user to allow the user to securely hold the mitt, even in the presence of rich lather. A rough-textured portion of the outer body provides added friction between the outer body and skin of a user to allow the user to scrub or exfoliate his or her skin.

Abstract: A personal care article includes a first personal care composition in a first zone and a second personal care composition in a second zone such that the first and second zones are defined by one or more barriers.

Abstract: A head for a surface cleaning device, the head includes an inlet for receiving dirt-laden fluid from a surface and an inlet extension member. The inlet extension member is movable with respect to the inlet between first and second positions.

Abstract: A coverage robot including a chassis, multiple drive wheel assemblies disposed on the chassis, and a cleaning assembly carried by the chassis. Each drive wheel assembly including a drive wheel assembly housing, a wheel rotatably coupled to the housing, and a wheel drive motor carried by the drive wheel assembly housing and operable to drive the wheel. The cleaning assembly including a cleaning assembly housing, a cleaning head rotatably coupled to the cleaning assembly housing, and a cleaning drive motor carried by cleaning assembly housing and operable to drive the cleaning head. The wheel assemblies and the cleaning assembly are each separately and independently removable from respective receptacles of the chassis as complete units.

Abstract: An autonomous coverage robot includes a chassis having forward and rearward portions and a drive system carried by the chassis. The forward portion of the chassis defines a substantially rectangular shape. The robot includes a cleaning assembly mounted on the forward portion of the chassis and a bin disposed adjacent the cleaning assembly and configured to receive debris agitated by the cleaning assembly. A bin cover is pivotally attached to a lower portion of the chassis and configured to rotate between a first, closed position providing closure of an opening defined by the bin and a second, open position providing access to the bin opening. The robot includes a body attached to the chassis and a handle disposed on an upper portion of the body. A bin cover release is actuatable from substantially near the handle.

Abstract: A method of continuously producing a cleaning member obtained from a multilayer web that includes at least a fiber bundle and a non-woven fabric, includes the following steps: preparing a guide member provided with a pair of width-adjusting members having a predetermined interval therebetween; conveying a fiber bundle through the pair of width-adjusting members of the guide member to adjust the width of the fiber bundle strip so as to match the aforementioned interval; forming the multilayer web by overlaying the fiber bundle, the width of which has been adjusted, on the non-woven fabric; and joining the fiber bundle and non-woven fabric.

Abstract: A cleaning device is provided that includes a cleaning element, a cleaning head, a housing, an electric pump, a battery, a container of cleaning fluid, an activation button, and a spray nozzle. The cleaning element and the cleaning head have spray openings that are in registration with one another. The container forms a fluid and air tight connection with the pump. The activation button places the pump and the battery in electrical communication. The spray nozzle forms a fluid tight and air tight connection with the pump so that the pump is configured to spray fluid from the container through the first and second spray openings onto a surface to be cleaned. The cleaning head, the cleaning element, and the spray nozzle define a cavity that traps spray from the spray nozzle between the cleaning device and the surface to be cleaned.

Abstract: An electrical and foot-operated dewater device contains: a bucket, a dewatering unit, and a draining basket. The bucket includes a holding portion and a groove portion. The dewatering unit includes a base, a rotary shaft rotatably, a foot-operated driving assembly, a first touch switch, and an electrical driving assembly. The rotary shaft includes a first gear portion and a second gear portion, the foot-operated driving assembly includes a transmission part, a first pedal, and a resilient element, wherein the transmission part has a worm, a fitting sleeve, and a drive gear. The electrical driving assembly includes a motor, a circuit controller, a battery, and a control switch. The circuit controller includes a charging circuit module which has a socket configured to connect with an external power supply so as to electrify the battery, and the charging circuit module receives electricity produced by the motor in a foot-operated driving mode.

Abstract: A cleaning apparatus including a mop and a cleaning device, wherein: the mop includes: a mop material carrying member for holding mop material; and a mop abutment member, the cleaning device is for cleaning mop material which freely depends from the mop material carrying member of the mop, the cleaning device includes: one or more cleaning arrangements for cleaning mop material; and a pair of abutment members located with respect to the one or more cleaning arrangements and at least partially defining an access aperture through which access to the one or more cleaning arrangements is provided, and the mop abutment member and the pair of abutment members of the cleaning device are configured for abutment in use to limit movement of the mop material carrying member through the access aperture towards the one or more cleaning arrangements.

Abstract: A dishwasher with a tub at least partially defining a washing chamber, a liquid spraying system, a liquid recirculation system defining a recirculation flow path, and a liquid filtering system. The liquid filtering system includes a rotating filter disposed in the recirculation flow path to filter the liquid.

Abstract: A cleaning apparatus configured for removing debris or lint from clothing by agitating lint and then rolling it off. The cleaning apparatus includes a handle with a first end and a second end, a cleaning roll support extending from the handle second end and terminating at a distal end, an agitator arm extending from the handle second end parallel to the cleaning roll support and terminating at a distal end and an end cap rotatably connected to the agitator arm distal end. The end cap is configured to be rotatable between an open position away from the cleaning roll support and a closed position in which the end cap engages with the distal end of the cleaning roll support.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus interpolates a signal of a missing color component based on first, second, and third color signals respectively generated by first, second, and third pixels of an image sensor, to generate color signals. These pixels are arranged in a matrix. The first pixels generate the first color signal of a first luminance component of white light. The second pixels generate the second color signal of a second luminance component of narrow band light. Density of the first pixels being higher than density of the second pixels and density of the third pixels. The apparatus extracts a specific frequency component signal from a color signal of the first luminance component among the color signals generated by interpolation, and adds the specific frequency component signal to a color signal of a color component different from the first luminance component depending on white light imaging or narrow band imaging.

Abstract: Precision control systems for tissue visualization and manipulation assemblies are described herein where such devices may utilize a variety of apparatus and methods for facilitating advancement, articulation, control, navigation, etc. of systems which may be used to visualize and/or treat tissue regions. Additionally, methods and devices for enhancing navigation of the device through a patient body are also described.

Abstract: In a medical device that includes a tip-side device to be brought into contact with or inserted into an object to be observed and a root end-side device connected to the tip-side device, the leakage of radiation noise generated in the root end-side device to the outside and the entry of disturbance noise into the root end-side device are prevented. A connection structure includes a plug provided at a root end of a tip-side device, and a receptacle provided in the root end-side device and configured to hold the plug by insertion. At least one of the plug and the receptacle contains an electrically non-conductive magnetic material in a portion crossing an opening formed in the outer casing in a state where the plug is inserted in the receptacle.

Abstract: There is provided herein a tip section of a multi-camera endoscope, the tip section comprising: a front looking camera and a front discrete illuminator to essentially illuminate the Field Of View (FOV) of said front looking camera; a right side looking camera and a right discrete illuminator to essentially illuminate the FOV of said right side looking camera; a left side looking camera and a left discrete illuminator to essentially illuminate the FOV of said left side looking camera; and a multi component cover configured to cover and seal said tip section such as to essentially prevent entry of fluids from the environment of said endoscope to inner parts of said tip section.

Abstract: An endoscopic system according to the invention, in particular for colonoscopy, includes a flexible endoscope with an elongate, flexible shaft, a regulator part, and also an operating part which can be placed on or pushed onto the shaft and which has at least one control element, wherein the endoscopic system furthermore includes a shaft stop, which can be secured on a patient support and which has a locking mechanism, controllable by the at least one control element, for locking the shaft against movement in a longitudinal direction of the shaft.

Abstract: This endoscope device can simplify the determination of the moving direction of a focusing lens, and can improve the accuracy of auto focusing. The endoscope has the following elements: an optical system having a focusing lens; a lens moving unit which moves the focusing lens along an optical axis thereof; an image capturing unit which obtains an optical image of an object from the optical system as a plurality of images each of which has a different focal position from each other; a moving direction determining section which determines whether to change the observation depth on the basis of the plurality of images, and determines a moving direction toward which the focusing lens is to be moved on the bases of the images; and a drive control unit which controls the lens moving unit to move the focusing lens toward a determined moving direction.

Abstract: A system and method may display an image stream, where an original image stream may be divided into two or more subset images streams, each subset image stream being displayed simultaneously or substantially simultaneously. The images may be displayed fused. The images may be collected from an ingestible capsule traversing the GI tract.

Abstract: There are provided an endoscope system capable of suppressing an increase in the size of a first connector of an endoscope and of performing non-contact electric power supply and non-contact signal transmission, an endoscope, and an endoscope connector. A power receiving unit and a power supply unit are disposed opposite to each other along an insertion direction of first and second connectors, and an image signal transmission unit and an image signal receiving unit are disposed opposite to each other along the insertion direction of the first and second connectors. A first circuit board is disposed on the opposite side to the power supply unit with respect to the power receiving unit so as to partially overlap the power receiving unit in the insertion direction. The power receiving unit and the image signal transmission unit are disposed so as not to overlap each other in the insertion direction.

Abstract: A dental light comprises at least one light emitting diode light source configured to produce a light beam and at least one collimating lens system situated to receive the light beam. The collimating lens system is configured to collect and collimate the light beam. The collimating lens system can additionally modify the beam through controlled diffusion or shape the beam using an aperture.

Abstract: An ophthalmologic photographing apparatus includes: a photographing optical system that includes a scanning unit for scanning an examinee's eye with measurement light to obtain a tomographic image of the examinee's eye; an observing optical system that includes a light-receiving device for receiving reflected light from the examinee's eye to obtain a moving image of a front image of the examinee's eye based on a light-receiving signal from the light-receiving device; a display controller for displaying the front image acquired by the observing optical system in a still state on a monitor as well as enabling setting of a capturing position of the tomographic image, the setting using the front image; and a drive controller for controlling the scanning unit to acquire the tomographic image in accordance with the capturing position.

Abstract: Provided is a cyclodeviation measurement device capable of performing quantitative measurement at low cost and capable of being used not only for diagnosis in an examination room and but also during a surgical operation in a surgical operating room, which has not been considered so far. In addition, provided is an improved device of the above device which can perform cyclodeviation measurement at a position other than the front by stabilizing vision fixation. The cyclodeviation measurement device includes a board, a pair of Maddox rods provided on the board so that at least one Maddox rod is rotatable, a manipulation means capable of freely rotating the rotatable Maddox rod, and an indication means indicating a rotation angle of the Maddox rod. The improved device includes a pair of a Maddox rod and a Bagolini striated lens instead of a pair of the Maddox rods.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an adaptive optical retina imaging apparatus and method. The adaptive optical retina imaging apparatus comprises an optical processing unit, an adaptive optical unit, a two-dimensional scanning unit and a primary aberration correcting unit, in which an imaging unit included in the optical processing unit is imaging based on the signal after high order aberration compensation and low order aberration compensation.

Abstract: Wavefront measurements of eyes are typically taken when the pupil is in a first configuration in an evaluation context. The results can be represented by a set of basis function coefficients. Prescriptive treatments are often applied in a treatment context, which is different from the evaluation context. Hence, the patient pupil can be in a different, second configuration, during treatment. Systems and methods are provided for determining a transformed set of basis function coefficients, based on a difference between the first and second configurations, which can be used to establish the vision treatment.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are vitrectomy probes configured for use with optical coherence tomography.

Abstract: An eye examination apparatus comprises an illuminator adapted to project a light beam on an optical illumination path along a first optical axis to illuminate the retina of an eye, said illuminator comprising a light source and a projection diaphragm adapted to shape the light beam, during the operation of said examination apparatus said projection diaphragm being optically conjugated with the retina. Acquisition means receive light reflected by the retina and acquire images of the retina. Scanning means move the light beam projected on the surface of the retina along a scanning direction. Separation means of the beams separate the light projected by said illuminator from the light reflected by the retina. The projection diaphragm comprises a projection opening having an elongated shape and variable width, said projection opening comprising a portion having a width larger than the width of said projection opening at the first optical axis.

Abstract: A scanning perimeter as disclosed herein comprises a first projection means projecting a first projection beam to uniformly illuminate a portion of a retina, said first projection beam passing through the pupil of the eye at a second separation region between a first crossing region, at which said illumination beam passes through the pupil, and a second crossing region of the pupil, at which light reflected by the retina passes through the pupil. A second projection means projects a second projection beam to project at least a fixation target on the retina, said second projection beam passing through the pupil at said first crossing region or said second crossing region. A third projection means projects a third projection beam to project at least a light stimulus on the retina, said third projection beam passing through the pupil at said first crossing region or said second crossing region.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for detecting and monitoring Pupillary Light Reflex responses and physical conditions using a portable video capture device (PVCD) for the purpose of diagnosing or monitoring impairment due to consumption of intoxicating substance or neurological disorder due to trauma or illness. In one embodiment, the PVCD is placed in an opaque enclosure, and positioned over one or both eyes. Video of the eyes is captured over a predetermined time using a video camera of the PVCD, and the video processed to measure changes in a feature of at least one eye. Data from the measured changes is analyzed together with additional physical data collected on a condition of the user, to estimate a degree of impairment. The degree of impairment and additional physical data is output to the user through a user interface in the PVCD and stored in local and remote memory for monitoring.

Abstract: A parallel detecting optical coherence tomography (OCT) setup and method, in which the light paths of the illumination of the sample and of the detection of the backscattered light do not use the same apertures. The separation of illumination and detection apertures filters these disturbing reflexes from the backscattered light of the sample and significantly increases image quality.

Abstract: A hospital bed is programmable with new firmware that is downloaded to the bed over a network. The firmware is downloaded to the bed automatically from a remote computer device. The remote computer device receives a message from the hospital bed which includes data regarding the version number of the bed's current firmware, and if the version number indicates that the firmware is an outdated version, the remote computer device downloads a new version of the firmware to the bed.

Abstract: Systems and methods for the diagnosis of chronic pain are disclosed. An algometer comprising a pressure sensor and electrode is disclosed. The algometer may be used to measure pressure applied by a clinician at a location on a patient's body, along with EMG signals emanating from the same location of the patient. Further, a pain trigger operable by the patient may be used in coordination with the algometer. Data from the algometer and pain trigger are transmitted to a computing device and display for rendering and analysis of patient data, leading to improved diagnosis.

Abstract: An apparatus for obtaining an image of a tooth having at least one light source providing incident light having a first spectral range for obtaining a reflectance image from the tooth and a second spectral range for exciting a fluorescence image from the tooth. A polarizing beamsplitter in the path of the incident light from both sources directs light having a first polarization state toward the tooth and directs light from the tooth having a second polarization state along a return path toward a sensor, wherein the second polarization state is orthogonal to the first polarization state. A first lens in the return path directs image-bearing light from the tooth toward the sensor, and obtains image data from the portion of the light having the second polarization state. A long-pass filter in the return path attenuates light in the second spectral range.