Patents Issued in January 29, 2019
  • Patent number: 10188235
    Abstract: A filter cup is revealed. The filter cup includes an outer cup, an inner cup mounted in the outer cup and a grip. The inner cup consists of a filter bottom surface on the bottom thereof, a plug-like member on the filter bottom surface, and at least two flanges on top of the inner cup. A discharge hole is disposed on bottom of the outer cup and sealed by the plug-like member. Two rotating members are pivotally connected to the outer cup and each includes a leaning portion projecting therefrom. The grip is connected to the rotating members. The rotating members are driven to move for pushing the flanges and moving the inner cup vertically by the leaning portions thereof when the grip is pulled. Thus a gap is formed between the plug-like member and the discharge hole, allowing liquid in the inner to flow out therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2019
    Inventor: Tsai-Hui Lin
  • Patent number: 10188236
    Abstract: An infusion group to be used in a machine for dispensing beverages extracted from capsules, which group has: a capsule-holder with an infusion chamber; an infusion head, cooperating with the capsule-holder; a system for the relative movement of a capsule (C) with respect to the capsule-holder; a capsule retaining device of the capsule during the relative motion between capsule and capsule-holder, having a first and a second vertical oblong element for retaining a capsule projecting upper edge, wherein the first retaining element retains the capsule while it enters the infusion chamber and the second retaining element retains the used capsule while it is extracted from the infusion chamber two control arms, determining that the relative motion between capsule and capsule-holder is carried out in a coordinated manner with the relative position between capsule-holder and infusion head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2019
    Assignee: IDES DEVELOPMENT COMPANY LIMITED
    Inventor: Roberto Stefanoni
  • Patent number: 10188237
    Abstract: A machine (1) comprises a frame (1?) and a capsule handling device (1?) mounted in and/or on the frame (1?). The device (1?) has a first part (10) and a second part (20) that is movable relatively to the frame (1?) from a transfer position for inserting and/or removing said capsule (2a,2b) to an extraction position for extracting such capsule and vice versa. The second part (20) comprising: a capsule receptacle (21) delimiting a cavity (21?) for receiving such capsule (2a,2b) and for forming in the extraction position an extraction chamber (21?) with the first part (10); and a first portion (21a) and a second portion (21b) that are relatively movable between a first relative position and a second relative position to change at least one dimension (21da,21db,21ha,21hb) of the cavity (21?) and of the extraction chamber (21?). The device (1?) further comprises an actuator (30,300) connected to the second part (20) for driving the movable second part (20) between the transfer position and the extraction position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2019
    Assignee: Nestec S.A.
    Inventors: Enzo Bonacci, Jean-Marc Flick
  • Patent number: 10188238
    Abstract: A beverage preparation machine for preparing single servings can include a lid assembly that can move between an open configuration and a closed configuration. The machine can also include a basket assembly having a chamber for receiving a cartridge containing a beverage precursor. Additionally, the machine can include a tamping assembly that can move between a latched state and a tamped state. The tamping assembly can include a tamping surface, a tamp spring element, a lid cam connected to the lid assembly, and a collar. The lid cam can include a cam path disposed along a sidewall of the lid cam, and the collar can have one or more cam teeth that can engage the cam path. In the tamped state, the tamping surface can be closer to the basket assembly than in the latched state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2019
    Assignee: Starbucks Corporation
    Inventors: Kurt Philip Dammermann, Adam Mekeel Mack, Matthew Thomas James, Philipe Roget Manoux
  • Patent number: 10188239
    Abstract: A grilling tool may include tongs having arms and a hinge that pivotally connects proximal ends of the arms to each other. The arms may be configured to be moved between a closed position wherein distal ends of the arms are in close proximity, and an open position wherein the distal ends of the arms are spaced apart from each other. In addition, a flashlight may be mounted to an interior of the tongs. The flashlight may have an electrical switch that is configured to be accessed from an exterior of the tongs and actuated between on and off positions. The flashlight may include a body with a body axis, a head at a distal end of the body, and the head has a head axis that is not co-axial with the body axis. The distal ends of the arms may be located adjacent fringes of a light beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2019
    Assignee: Holton Products LLC
    Inventors: Colton Knittig, Israel Holby
  • Patent number: 10188240
    Abstract: A pot lid storage holder, which may be used for storing a pot lid having a knob-shaped handle with a necked-down portion disposed between the pot lid and a relatively enlarged portion of the handle, and for storing a pot lid having a drawer-pull type handle. The pot lid storage holder includes first and second gripping elements projecting from a base, the first and second gripping elements configured to receive through an opening therebetween, in a downstream direction of insertion of the pot lid into the holder pointing toward the base, the necked-down portion of the handle, and to exert a compressive spring force on the necked-down portion that decreases with increasing depth of insertion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2019
    Inventor: Dana S. Clarke
  • Patent number: 10188241
    Abstract: A dispenser assembly for dispensing a product is provided herein. The dispenser assembly includes a bottle configured to store the product, the bottle including a back wall. The back wall includes a substantially flat surface, and an angled surface extending outwards from the flat surface. The dispenser assembly further includes a battery holder including a housing, and a plurality of batteries contained in the housing, wherein the battery holder is positioned adjacent the flat surface of back wall of the bottle and below the angled surface of the back wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2019
    Assignee: Vi-Jon, Inc.
    Inventors: Donna M. Santoro, Andy Lee Kirkpatrick, Kacey James Kreuter, Stephen John Kocis, Anthony Toribio, William J. Peek
  • Patent number: 10188242
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2019
    Assignee: GPCP IP Holdings LLC
    Inventors: Steven R. Olson, David A. Hoadley, Thomas J. Daul
  • Patent number: 10188243
    Abstract: An adapter for a recessed dispenser is disclosed. The adapter includes a frame configured to fit into a cavity of the dispenser. The adapter also includes a fastener for securing the frame to the dispenser. The frame includes two arms extending away from the cavity. The two arms are configured to removeably couple with a reduced-core diameter spindle. The spindle can expand/contract and is configured for use with a reduced-core roll of paper product. The adapter described herein allows for rolled product to be dispensed from an existing recessed dispenser where the rolls being dispensed have a larger outer diameter and a smaller inner core diameter than allowed by the original design of the recessed dispenser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2019
    Assignee: Solaris Paper, Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen Lawrence Phelps
  • Patent number: 10188244
    Abstract: A dispenser for dispensing a sheet of web material from a stack of folded web material, the dispenser including: a web material storage section arranged to hold and support the stack of folded web material; the web material storage section including an upper end portion from which the web material is arranged to be lead for dispensing thereof, a lower end portion, opposite to the upper end portion, the upper end portion and lower end portion being arranged in a fixed spatial relationship. The lower end portion of the web material storage section includes a loading opening and a supporting arrangement, arranged to be movable between a support position wherein the supporting arrangement extends at least partially over said loading opening enabling the support of the stack of folded web material, and an insert position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2019
    Assignee: ESSITY HYGIENE AND HEALTH AB
    Inventors: Björn Larsson, Per Möller, David Sahlin, Lars Thorén
  • Patent number: 10188245
    Abstract: A toilet inhibits an occupant from exiting the toilet. Sensors positioned on the toilet detect the application of pressure on the toilet by an occupant that is consistent with an occupant attempting to exit the toilet, and/or movements of an occupant that are consistent with an occupant attempting to exit the toilet. The sensors cause an actuator to change the angle of the toilet seat, which inhibits exiting the toilet. The toilet may also be constructed to signal an attendant when actions by an occupant are consistent with actions indicating an attempt by the occupant to exit the toilet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2019
    Inventors: Robert Rife, Leah Vining
  • Patent number: 10188246
    Abstract: An odor-removing hinge system and method of use for withdrawing noxious odors from toilets and portable commodes is disclosed. The present seat hinge system includes an integrated housing that functions as a portion of an exhaust pathway for noxious gases expelled within the toilet bowl. The present hinge system includes at least one hollow bolt disposed in fluid communication with the housing, which is used to secure the toilet seat to the toilet. In one embodiment the noxious gases within the toilet bowl are carried by convection or vacuum via connective tubing to an exhaust conduit installed in an adjacent wall. In other embodiments the noxious gases are directed through a detachable air filter assembly secured to the housing and the odorless filtered air is recirculated. In a method of use the present hinge system is retrofitted to existing toilets and portables commodes in replacement of standard toilet seat hinges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2019
    Inventor: Egor Ciotic
  • Patent number: 10188247
    Abstract: An upright vacuum cleaner (1) includes a brushroll (11); a motor assembly (200) including a motor housing (21) and a motor (22), in which a rotating axis of the motor (22) and a rotating axis of the brushroll (11) are disposed in a non-parallel manner, and the motor (22) drives the brushroll (11) rolling by a drive belt (13) and is rotatable between a first upright position of tensioning the drive belt (13) and a first oblique position of loosening the drive belt (13); a body assembly (300) including a body (31), a bridging member (32) and a dirt cup (37) mounted on the body (31), in which the bridging member (32) is rotatably connected with the motor housing (21) to make the body (31) rotatable between a second upright position and a second oblique position, and the motor (22) is moved by the bridging member (32) from the first oblique position to the first upright position when the body (31) moves from the second upright position to the second oblique position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2019
    Assignee: JIANGSU MIDEA CLEANING APPLIANCES CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Wei Hu, Hui Zou, Xiahu Xiao
  • Patent number: 10188248
    Abstract: The invention relates to a vacuum cleaner filter bag, including a bag wall which is made of filter material and has a through-passage through which the air to be cleaned can flow into the vacuum cleaner filter bag, in which the bag wall includes an at least partially pleated non-woven fabric material and the bag wall includes a first and a second filter material layer which are joined to one another by a peripheral weld seam, wherein the first and/or second filter material layers comprise include the at least partially pleated non-woven fabric material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2019
    Assignee: Eurofilters Holding N.V.
    Inventors: Ralf Sauer, Jan Schultink
  • Patent number: 10188249
    Abstract: A vacuum cleaner includes: a cleaner body including a battery chamber; a motor provided in the cleaner body to provide suction force; a battery detachably mounted in the battery chamber to provide electric power to the motor; a battery cover rotatably mounted in the cleaner body to open and close the battery chamber; and a charging stand on which the cleaner body is held and which includes an opening prevention rib located on a rotation path of the battery cover in a state in which the cleaner body is held on the opening prevention rib and preventing opening of the battery cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2019
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Jungkyu Son, Bohyun Nam, Jaeyong Park, Sehwan Bae, Geunyong Jung, Gunho Ha
  • Patent number: 10188250
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2019
    Assignee: Kärcher North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel C. Venard, Adam Bearup
  • Patent number: 10188251
    Abstract: Embodiments include a waste recovery system for a floor surface maintenance machine. The waste recovery system comprises a squeegee assembly having a squeegee frame, a squeegee retainer extending below the squeegee frame and a reservoir integrally defined in the squeegee retainer. The reservoir can have an inlet passage proximal to the floor surface, an outlet passage fluidly coupled to the fluid suction path and leading to the waste recovery tank, and a fluid trap portion positioned between the inlet and outlet passages. The fluid trap portion can retain backflow waste in the fluid suction path. The reservoir is positioned at a clearance distance from the floor surface in a direction normal to the floor surface such that the reservoir forms the lowest portion of the waste recovery system in the direction normal to the floor surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2019
    Assignee: Tennant Company
    Inventors: Eric S. Nortrup, Nicholas E. Boers, Brent Caudill
  • Patent number: 10188252
    Abstract: A surface cleaning apparatus is provided with a nozzle cover having multiple functions, including sealing an opening for an above-the-floor vacuum hose, aiding in removal of a suction nozzle from the apparatus and acting as a handle for the suction nozzle upon removal of the suction nozzle from the apparatus. A locking mechanism prevents the suction nozzle from accidentally releasing from the apparatus when the vacuum hose is installed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2019
    Assignee: BISSELL Homecare, Inc.
    Inventors: Tom Minh Nguyen, David M. Miller, Michael D. Graham, YunMing Huang, Chiu Yeung Lee
  • Patent number: 10188253
    Abstract: An extraction cleaner is provided with a removable recovery tank having a drain opening quick-empty valve and actuator assembly for emptying the tank. The actuator assembly may include a quick-release latch for a bottom-empty door or a drain plug for sealing the drain opening. The quick-release latch may include a button remote from the door or drain plug.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2019
    Assignee: BISSELL Homecare, Inc.
    Inventor: David M. Miller
  • Patent number: 10188254
    Abstract: A planar surface cleaning system including a main body, at least one vacuum source, and a cleaning component is disclosed. The main body includes a bottom portion, wherein the bottom portion defines an outer portion defining a surface area about a perimeter thereof and an inner portion defining a cavity formed within the outer portion. The at least one vacuum source is supported by the main body and is in fluid communication with the cavity. The cleaning component covers the surface area defined on the outer portion and is removably connected to the outer portion. The planar surface cleaning system further includes a handle portion. The handle portion may be connected to the main body via a U portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2019
    Assignee: ECOVACS ROBOTICS, INC.
    Inventor: Dongqi Qian
  • Patent number: 10188255
    Abstract: Modules with various functions may be mounted on a robot cleaner, such that the robot cleaner can perform various additional functions other than cleaning while moving. The robot cleaner cleans a floor surface while moving on the floor surface. At the robot cleaner, a module mounting unit on which at least one module capable of performing a function other than cleaning is able to be mounted is disposed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2019
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Chang Wook Lee, Sang Hak Kim, Bo Kyung Kim, Ji Ho Seo, Sang Hwa Choi
  • Patent number: 10188256
    Abstract: The invention pertains to a novel scraper assembly having a plurality of interchangeable scraper heads and handles and corresponding method for use. The scraper assembly further comprises a plurality of abrasive mechanisms, namely spring bristles, coiled springs, chainmail abraders and wire cloth abraders capable of effectively cleaning a surface without scoring or otherwise damaging the surface. The invention may be particularly useful for cleaning grills and ovens. Additionally, the invention may also be useful for shaping, adding texture to, stripping materials from or otherwise preparing a surface, including wood, metal or ceramic surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2019
    Assignee: MIW ASSOCIATES, LLC
    Inventors: Marvin Weinberger, Tucker J. Marion
  • Patent number: 10188257
    Abstract: A ceiling texture scraping assembly includes a pan that may be manipulated having the pan being positioned beneath a ceiling. A plurality of fasteners is provided. Each of the fasteners extends through an associated one of the tabs and engaging an associated one of the lateral walls. Thus, each of the lateral walls is coupled to the outer wall. A sleeve is coupled to and extends away from the pan and the sleeve may be gripped. A blade is coupled to the pan. The blade frictionally engages texture on the ceiling. Thus, the blade to removes the texture from the ceiling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2019
    Inventor: Sergio Pelayo
  • Patent number: 10188258
    Abstract: A cleaning tool includes a handle having a longitudinal axis and a cleaning device having a longitudinal axis. The cleaning device is releasably securable to the handle and is moveable between a first position where the longitudinal axis of the cleaning device is generally aligned with the longitudinal axis of said handle, and a second position where the longitudinal axis of the cleaning device is arranged at an angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2019
    Inventor: James Deveau
  • Patent number: 10188259
    Abstract: A pump includes an inlet chamber for providing a space into which external water is supplied; an outlet chamber provided to be connected with the inlet chamber, guiding the water inside the inlet chamber to the outside of the inlet chamber; an impeller provided inside the outlet chamber, moving the water; a first housing fixed to the outside of the outlet chamber; a rotor rotatably provided inside the first housing; a rotation shaft provided to pass through the outlet chamber, connecting the rotor with the impeller; a magnetic field formation unit provided to surround the first housing, forming a rotating magnetic field to rotate the rotor; a friction bearing provided to pass through the outlet chamber, rotatably supporting the rotation shaft; and an outlet path for connecting the inside of the first housing with the outlet chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2019
    Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Haewoong Lee, Sangheon Yoon, Moonkee Chung
  • Patent number: 10188260
    Abstract: A sealing apparatus seals between a pump chamber and a bottom surface of a washing tank of a dishwasher. The sealing apparatus includes a packing member disposed along a top portion of the pump chamber and a protecting member which fixes some portion of the packing member to the pump chamber to prevent the packing member from moving when the bottom surface of the washing tank and the pump chamber are coupled to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2019
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jin-doo Kim
  • Patent number: 10188261
    Abstract: A dish washing machine having a structure allowing wash water to be evenly sprayed into a washing tub. The dish washing machine includes a cabinet forming an external appearance of the dish washing machine, a washing tub arranged in the cabinet and allowing dishes to be washed therein, a dish basket arranged in the washing tub to accommodate the dishes, a spray unit to spray wash water into the washing tub, a diversion unit arranged inside a flow passage of wash water to divert the wash water sprayed from the spray unit, and a guide member coupled to one side of the diversion unit to allow the diversion unit to move within the washing tub. As the spray unit and the diversion unit are provided, a dead zone which wash water does not reach may be eliminated, and divided and intensive washing may be implemented in the washing tub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2019
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Seung Gee Hong, Yong Soo Kyong, Chan Young Park, Soo Hyung Yoo, Chang Wook Lee, Min Ho Jung, Hyoung Jun Kim, Jea Won Lee, Hyun Dong Jung, Jae Man Joo
  • Patent number: 10188262
    Abstract: A dishwasher is provided that has a washing container an air-guiding channel to generate an air flow; a sorption drying system to dry items to be washed, wherein the sorption drying system has a sorption container with reversibly dehydratable sorption material, and wherein the sorption container is connected to the washing container by the air-guiding channel. A heater is assigned to the sorption material for desorption of the sorption material, and a ratio of the heat output of the heater and the air volume flow of the air flow which flows through the sorption material is between 100 W sec/l and 1250 W sec/l.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2019
    Assignee: BSH Hausgeräte GmbH
    Inventors: Helmut Jerg, Kai Paintner
  • Patent number: 10188263
    Abstract: A dishwasher is provided, which has a washing container; an air-guiding channel to generate an air flow; and a sorption drying system to dry items to be washed, wherein the sorption drying system has a sorption container with reversibly dehydratable sorption material. The sorption container is connected to the washing container by the air-guiding channel and the reversibly dehydratable sorption material is one of a granular solid and a granulate with an average fill density of at least 500 kg/m3.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2019
    Assignee: BSH Hausgeräte GmbH
    Inventors: Helmut Jerg, Kai Paintner
  • Patent number: 10188264
    Abstract: A dishwasher is provided, which has a washing container; an air-guiding channel to generate an air flow; and a sorption drying system to dry items to be washed, wherein the sorption drying system has a sorption container with reversibly dehydratable sorption material. The sorption container is connected to the washing container by the air-guiding channel. In the sorption container, a through-flow cross-sectional area for the reversibly dehydratable sorption material of substantially between 80 cm2 and 800 cm2 is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2019
    Assignee: BSH Hausgeräte GmbH
    Inventors: Helmut Jerg, Kai Paintner
  • Patent number: 10188265
    Abstract: An insertion apparatus includes an elongated inserting section having a curving section, an input section which is provided in an operating section, receives an arbitrary input to curve the curving section in a movable range including a first range that includes the neutral input position and a second range that has an operation amount from the neutral input position exceeding the first range, a first actuator, a detecting section, a second actuator which gives a force towards the neutral position to the input section, and a control section which operates the first actuator and the second actuator, when the input amount to the input section is in the second range, thereby giving a force to the input section so that an input amount to the input section is in the first range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2019
    Assignee: OLYMPUS CORPORATION
    Inventor: Yasuhiro Okamoto
  • Patent number: 10188266
    Abstract: An imaging device includes: an imaging element that generates an image signal of a subject; an observation method determining unit that determines, based on identification information indicating types of a control device connected to the imaging device, whether the control device adopts a first observation method for processing an image signal indicating a plurality of images of the subject per one frame period or a second observation method for processing an image signal indicating a single image of the subject per one frame period; and a data reducing unit. If the control device adopts the second observation method, the data reducing unit reduces a data amount of the image signal to be transmitted to the control device per unit time such that a transmission rate indicating the data amount of the image signal per unit time is acceptable to the control device that adopts the second observation method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2019
    Assignee: OLYMPUS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hidenori Hashimoto, Wataru Ono
  • Patent number: 10188267
    Abstract: A distal end structure of an endoscope includes: an opening of a treatment instrument insertion channel formed on a distal end of an insertion portion in the endoscope and including an opening having a long side and a short side; a first wall portion extending in a longitudinal direction so as to face the opening, at the distal end; and a second wall portion facing the first wall portion in a short side direction so as to sandwich the opening and extending in the long side direction, at the distal end, wherein a first end surface in the first wall portion and a second end surface in the second wall portion are inclined such that inclination directions in the longitudinal axis direction are opposite to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2019
    Assignee: OLYMPUS CORPORATION
    Inventor: Takuya Toyooka
  • Patent number: 10188268
    Abstract: A treatment instrument lifting adjusting portion including a lifting member and an operation wire is disposed outside of a treatment instrument guiding-out path including an exit member and a tube in a distal end portion. Thus, cleaning work can be performed by inserting, for example, a brush into the treatment instrument guiding-out path, and is easily performed similarly to an endoscope of a type having no treatment instrument lifting function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2019
    Assignee: OLYMPUS CORPORATION
    Inventor: Jin Hiraoka
  • Patent number: 10188269
    Abstract: A manufacturing method for an image pickup unit, the method including: a step of bonding plural lens wafers, on which optical components are formed, and forming a lens unit wafer including plural lens units; a step of bonding a bending optical element wafer including plural bending optical elements to a first surface of the lens unit wafer such that the plural bending optical elements are respectively opposed to the plural lens units and forming an optical unit wafer; a step of separating and individualizing the optical unit wafer for each of the lens units and the bending optical elements and manufacturing plural optical units; and a step of respectively bonding solid-state image pickup devices to emission surfaces of lights of the bending optical elements of the optical units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2019
    Assignee: OLYMPUS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Noriyuki Fujimori, Kazuaki Kojima
  • Patent number: 10188270
    Abstract: A stent delivery system includes a guide catheter, a tubular stent into which the guide catheter can be inserted, and a tubular pusher catheter into which the guide catheter can be inserted and disposed nearer to a proximal end side than the stent. The pusher catheter includes a diameter expansion-suppressing part provided at a distal end part and having the same inner diameter as the stent and an intermediate part provided at a proximal end side of the diameter expansion-suppressing part and having a bending stiffness less than that of the diameter expansion-suppressing part. When the stent is pushed toward a distal end side by pushing the intermediate part of the pusher catheter toward the distal end side and bringing a distal end part of the diameter expansion-suppressing part into contact with a proximal end part of the stent, an inner diameter of the pusher catheter is prevented from expanding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2019
    Assignee: OLYMPUS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hiromichi Miyano, Toshihiro Yamagata
  • Patent number: 10188271
    Abstract: An assist device which is applied to a treatment instrument including an insertion body to be inserted through a channel of an endoscope, and which is configured to assist movement of the insertion body relative to the channel, includes: a flexible tube including a passage into which the insertion body of the treatment instrument is inserted; a connector provided on the flexible tube and configured to connect to the endoscope to allow communication between the channel and the passage; a first retainer provided on the flexible tube and configured to hold an outer circumference of an insertion section of the endoscope or an outer circumference of an operation section connected to the insertion section; and a second retainer being movable relative to the first retainer and configured to hold the insertion body of the treatment instrument.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2019
    Assignee: OLYMPUS CORPORATION
    Inventor: Koji Yamaya
  • Patent number: 10188272
    Abstract: Described embodiments include a capsule, including a cyclically everting sleeve shaped to define a sleeve interior, a fluid, configured to facilitate the everting of the sleeve, contained within the sleeve interior, and a plurality of electrically-conductive coils coupled to the sleeve. The coils are configured to, when at least two of the coils are magnetized, advance the capsule within a lumen by applying an everting force to the sleeve. Other embodiments are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2019
    Inventor: Asher Holzer
  • Patent number: 10188273
    Abstract: Biological navigation devices and methods are disclosed. The devices can be used as or to support colonoscopies or endoscopes. The devices can have longitudinally extensible cells that can be selectively inflated. The devices can have articulable links. The devices can be removably attached to elongated elements, such as colonoscopes or other endoscopes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2019
    Assignee: LOMA VISTA MEDICAL, INC.
    Inventors: Alexander Quillin Tilson, Mark Christopher Scheeff, Gene Duval
  • Patent number: 10188274
    Abstract: A capsule endoscope or a reception apparatus executes a first light emission motion in which only a light emission module configured to perform light emission in an imaging direction of an imaging module that is performing imaging performs the light emission when no lesioned part is detected and executes a second light emission motion in which a light emission module configured to perform the light emission in a second imaging direction of an imaging module different from an imaging module that is imaging the lesioned part performs the light emission in synchronization with the light emission by a light emission module configured to perform the light emission in a first imaging direction of the imaging module that is imaging the lesioned part when the lesioned part is detected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2019
    Assignee: OLYMPUS CORPORATION
    Inventor: Masaharu Yanagidate
  • Patent number: 10188275
    Abstract: In a first aspect the invention is a video camera head comprising an objective lens assembly and a solid state imager (SSI) comprised of a solid state pick up device and integrated circuitry adapted to produce an output video signal. The SSI is configured to allow video signals to be sent from the SSI and power to be supplied to the SSI by means of four or less electrically connecting pads. In a second aspect the invention is a video camera head comprising a 0.7 mm×0.7 mm sensor and an integral 1.4 mm inner diameter light ring. In a third aspect the invention is a visualization probe comprising illumination means and a video camera head of the first aspect. The visualization probe has a maximum outer diameter of 2.8 mm or less. In a fourth aspect the invention is a medical device comprising a visualization probe of the third aspect. The medical device has a maximum outer diameter of 3.2 mm or less.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2019
    Assignee: MEDIGUS LTD.
    Inventors: Elazar Sonnenschein, Ariel Smoliar, Yuval Malka
  • Patent number: 10188276
    Abstract: A separator unit is a cleaning auxiliary tool to be inserted into an air/water feeding cylinder. The separator unit includes a partition plate for partitioning an air feeding conduit side and a water feeding conduit side, and two elastic members in an air/water feeding cylinder. The two elastic members are arranged at an outer circumferential side of the partition plate. When an internal pressure on the air feeding conduit side corresponds to an internal pressure on the water feeding conduit side, the elastic members are spaced apart from an inner wall of the air/water feeding cylinder by a predetermined distance, and when one of the internal pressures on the air feeding conduit and the water feeding conduit becomes higher than the other, one of the elastic members is deformed by receiving the higher internal pressure and comes in close contact with the inner wall of the air/water feeding cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2019
    Assignee: OLYMPUS CORPORATION
    Inventor: Tomokazu Iwasaki
  • Patent number: 10188277
    Abstract: An otoscope device is disclosed comprising a portion configured to be introduced in an ear canal of a patient's outer ear; and an electronic imaging unit configured for capturing at least one image of the patient's outer ear, especially of the eardrum. The otoscope device further comprises electronic and/or optic means configured for determining spectral information, especially with respect to wavelengths shorter than 550 nm; and is configured for identifying and/or locating objects shown in the at least one image, especially the eardrum, in dependence on a specific amount of blue components and/or UV components of the image or of radiation reflected from the object. Further, a method is disclosed for identifying and/or locating objects in a subject's ear or to a method of identifying an eardrum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2019
    Assignee: Helen of Troy Limited
    Inventor: Albrecht Lepple-Wienhues
  • Patent number: 10188278
    Abstract: Disclosed embodiments integrate a camera into an intraoral mirror. Integrating a camera into an intraoral mirror provides an efficient way to record and display what is visible to the healthcare provider in the mirror.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2019
    Assignee: DENTAL SMARTMIRROR, INC.
    Inventors: Gidon Oded Elazar, Dan Zidkiahu Harkabi, Joshua Israel Wachspress, Yael Miriam Harkabi
  • Patent number: 10188279
    Abstract: The present invention is generally directed toward a laryngoscope having a handle, a rigid tube, and an optical subassembly. The handle has a distal end and a proximate end. The tube is hollow and also has a distal end having a distal opening and a proximate end having a proximate opening. The optical subassembly includes a light source located within the handle, a power source located within the handle and in communication with the light source and a light carrier extending between the handle and the tube and in communication with the light source and providing light inside and along the entire length of the tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2019
    Assignee: Adroit Surgical, LLC
    Inventor: Nilesh R. Vasan
  • Patent number: 10188280
    Abstract: An illustrative embodiment of a tissue separation and equalization device includes a generally elongated tissue insertion member; at least one tissue separating member opening in the tissue insertion member; at least one elongated tissue separating member having at least one flexible or bendable expansion segment, respectively, extending longitudinally within the tissue insertion member generally adjacent to the at least one tissue separating member opening, respectively; and a driving mechanism engaging the at least one tissue separating member and operable to displace the at least one tissue separating member within the tissue insertion member and expand or buckle the at least one expansion segment outwardly from the tissue insertion member through the at least one tissue separating member opening, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2019
    Inventor: Simeon Wall, Jr.
  • Patent number: 10188281
    Abstract: An observation system for viewing light-sensitive tissue includes an illumination system configured to illuminate the light-sensitive tissue, an imaging system configured to image at least a portion of the light-sensitive tissue upon being illuminated by the illumination system, and an image display system in communication with the imaging system to display an image of the portion of the light-sensitive tissue. The illumination system is configured to illuminate the light-sensitive tissue with a reduced amount of light within a preselected wavelength range compared to multispectral illumination light, and the image of the portion of the light-sensitive tissue is compensated for the reduced amount of light within the preselected frequency range to approximate an image of the light-sensitive tissue under the multispectral illumination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2019
    Assignee: The Johns Hopkins University
    Inventors: Russell H. Taylor, Seth D. Billings, Peter L. Gehlbach, Gregory D. Hager, James T. Handa, Jin U. Kang, Balazs P. Vagvolgyi, Raphael Sznitman, Zachary Pezzementi
  • Patent number: 10188282
    Abstract: A subjective optometry apparatus includes: a subjective measurer including a light projecting optical system, a corrective optical system including a right-eye corrective optical system and a left-eye corrective optical system, and an optical member for guiding the target light flux corrected by the corrective optical system to an examinee's eye, the subjective measurer subjectively measuring an optical characteristic of the examinee's eye; and an objective measurer including a measurement optical system for emitting measurement light to a fundus of the examinee's eye and for receiving reflected light from the fundus, the objective measurer objectively measuring the optical characteristic of the examinee's eye via the optical member disposed on an optical path of the measurement optical system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2019
    Assignee: NIDEK CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Michihiro Takii, Masaaki Hanebuchi, Hisashi Ochi
  • Patent number: 10188283
    Abstract: The invention relates to a trial frame for determining the subjective refraction of a subject, comprising two lens holder devices for receiving lenses, a bridge, which adjustably connects the lens holder devices, a nose rest device having a pivotable and height-adjustable nose rest and two temples, which are adjustable in length and height, the trial frame comprising two polarization filter devices, the polarization filter devices having a circular or a linear polarization filter, a pivot for pivoting the circular or linear polarization filter in and out in front of the lens holder device, and a rotating device for rotating the polarization filter in front of the lens holder device, the polarization filter devices each being removably attachable to the lens holder devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2019
    Assignee: OCULUS OPTIKGERAETE GMBH
    Inventor: Carsten Feiertag
  • Patent number: 10188284
    Abstract: An eye-mountable device includes an enclosure shaped to be removably mounted over a cornea. The device also includes a tear-film sensor system, including one or more tear-film-sensitive sensors, disposed within the enclosure. The one or more tear-film-sensitive sensors are disposed to measure an impedance of a tear-film in an eye of a user and to output a signal indicative of the impedance. A controller is also disposed within the enclosure and coupled to the tear-film sensor system to receive the signal and, in response to changes in the signal, actively control circuitry disposed in the eye-mountable device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2019
    Assignee: Verily Life Sciences LLC
    Inventors: Christian A. Gutierrez, Brian J. Kim