Patents Issued in January 31, 2019
  • Publication number: 20190029464
    Abstract: An automatic tea maker includes a brewing container, a support frame, a control unit, and a power supply module. A bottom wall of the brewing container is provided with a water outlet and a plug for plugging the water outlet. The support frame includes an upper support portion for supporting the brewing container, a lower support portion for supporting a cup, and a support plate connected with the upper support portion and the lower support portion. The upper support portion has a through hole corresponding to the water outlet. The upper support portion is provided with a lever for pushing the pin. The lever is provided with an electromagnet for driving the lever. The lower support portion is slidably connected with a turntable. One side of the turntable is provided with a motor for driving the turntable to slide. The lower support portion is provided with an infrared sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2017
    Publication date: January 31, 2019
    Inventor: Taiyang Qiu
  • Publication number: 20190029465
    Abstract: A lid holding device of the present invention provides distinct benefits over conventional problems to solve the issue of stationing the covers of cooking containers, including one-hand operation, universal fit with pots and pans, ideal drainage of condensation and increased cleanliness by virtue of a vertical resting position, enhanced safety around high-temperature stoves, pots, racks and lids, optimal space utilization, removal of the need for hot plates and pads and trivets, and comfortable and ergonomic ease of use. The device may include various portions in the form of an attaching member, a protruding member, a hook member and a handle member in coupled configuration to each other to solve such conventional problems. The device may be a unitary or multi-part and can withstand high temperature in and around the kitchens. The device is sturdy and includes compact design, allowing convenient storage in typical drawers, utensil holders or hooks.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2018
    Publication date: January 31, 2019
    Inventor: MARK T. CAMDEN
  • Publication number: 20190029466
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to providing a spherical grilling apparatus. The spherical grilling apparatus comprises a spherical frame, which has a brazier inside and a supporting device outside; a half portion of the upper half of the spherical frame is a movable door, which can be rotated around the horizontal axis to such a position that this half portion substantially overlaps with the other half portion of the upper half of the spherical frame. The spherical frame provided outside the brazier can achieve the effect of isolation; the movable door of the spherical frame is easy to open, allowing easy addition of fuel to the brazier; the inner and outer diameters of the movable door are consistent with those of the frame body, so that the appearance of the apparatus is regular and beautiful.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2017
    Publication date: January 31, 2019
    Inventor: Jiawei ZHAO
  • Publication number: 20190029467
    Abstract: The present invention aims to provide an environmentally friendly barbecue apparatus that can prevent oil droplets from falling onto the fuel. The barbecue apparatus comprises a barbecue grill; the barbecue grill, under which is an oil collection device comprising an oil sump, comprises a plurality of spaced strip supports; the oil sump, provided under an interval between the corresponding supports or provided below the supports, is provided obliquely with respect to the horizontal direction, with its lower end connected to an oil tank. Ingredients can be heated directly. With the oil tank placed below the barbecue grill to collect the oil secreted by the ingredients themselves during the barbecue process, oil droplets are prevented from falling onto the fuel to cause smoke and odor, with the advantages of high barbecue efficiency and health and environmental protection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2017
    Publication date: January 31, 2019
    Inventor: Jiawei Zhao
  • Publication number: 20190029468
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus regarding gaseous fueled fired outdoor cooking or frying devices such as deep fat fryers. More particularly, various embodiments relate to an improved method and apparatus that relates to an outdoor cooking or frying apparatus having a pivoting basket and lit configuration allowing the discharge of large food items such as a full sized turkey onto the lid for preparation immediately before serving the large food item. The lid has cooking, receiving and preparation configurations. The basket has cooking, draining and discharging configurations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2018
    Publication date: January 31, 2019
    Inventor: Nicholas Bourgeois
  • Publication number: 20190029469
    Abstract: A liquid dispensing container has an outer shell including a wall having an inner surface and an outer surface. An inner core is coupled to the outer shell and has an outer surface and an inner surface that defines a reservoir configured to contain a fluid. The inner core and outer shell cooperatively define a longitudinal axis. A liner is positioned between the outer shell and the inner core. The liner comprises a stretchable material that is in stretched along the longitudinal axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2018
    Publication date: January 31, 2019
    Inventor: Ryan Jones
  • Publication number: 20190029470
    Abstract: A food grilling rack provides a frame defined by a plurality of connected side walls forming a closed geometric shape. The frame includes a lower corrugated sheet that provides multiple troughs, each trough having a lowest portion. The lower sheet is attached to at least some of the side walls. An upper sheet of material is supported (e.g., removably) above the sheet of corrugated material. There are a plurality of openings in the upper sheet of material, each opening being vertically aligned with a lowest portion of a trough. In one embodiment, the frame includes a pair of flanged members attached to a lower corrugated sheet that provides multiple troughs, each trough having a lowest portion. A sheet with openings slides into the frame aligning the openings with the lowest part of the trough.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2018
    Publication date: January 31, 2019
    Applicant: METAL FUSION, INC.
    Inventors: Norman Bourgeois, Barbara Bourgeois, Michael Bourgeois
  • Publication number: 20190029471
    Abstract: A flip-top washing device for vegetables and fruits has a housing assembly, a cover assembly pivotally connected to the housing assembly, a driving assembly mounted on the cover assembly, a washing basket mounted in the housing assembly, and an agitating panel assembly mounted on and connected with the washing basket. With multiple driving blocks of a driving member on the cover assembly and multiple connecting blocks on the agitating panel assembly and with an inclined surface and an vertical surface of each of the driving and connecting blocks, the driving member is able to be securely connected with the agitating panel assembly when closing the cover assembly onto the housing assembly. As the agitating panel assembly and the washing basket rotate, water inside the housing assembly is, strongly agitated so as to wash the vegetables and the fruits in the housing assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2018
    Publication date: January 31, 2019
    Inventor: Chien-Hua Chen
  • Publication number: 20190029472
    Abstract: An active foodware system includes a mechanical structure and provides visual stimuli, heating of food, and wireless communication by having a power source, a visual stimulating component, a heating component, and a wireless communication component. Other components can provide sensing, data processing, as well as auditory and haptic stimuli. The mechanical structure can be a single unit where the components and circuitry are all contained in the unit and protected from water, or can be two units: an upper food surface for receiving food, and an underplate comprising components and circuitry.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2018
    Publication date: January 31, 2019
    Inventor: James F. Kramer
  • Publication number: 20190029473
    Abstract: A drying storage unit for high-use items is provided that, in some embodiments, may comprise a multi-tier storage caddy for dishes meant to be kept on display and on a counter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2018
    Publication date: January 31, 2019
    Inventor: Chris Bauer
  • Publication number: 20190029474
    Abstract: A device (100) includes a substantially planar portion (101) defining a seat (106). One or more legs (110,111,112,113) are coupled to, and support, the seat. The seat includes a first seat edge (104) defining a bench receiver (122) that is selectively attachable to a seat receiver (422) of a bench (400) to extend the substantially planar portion along a plane (107) defined by the substantially planar portion by a predefined additional width (601).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2017
    Publication date: January 31, 2019
    Inventors: Roy Preece, Frank Martorelli, John Shelpman, Cristobal J. Rodriguez
  • Publication number: 20190029475
    Abstract: The present invention comprises a soap which does not disengage from the user while in use and provides a means to hang the soap while not in use. Specifically, in a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a semiflexible continuous mechanical structure extends above a surface of a soap bar just enough to create an open area through which the user's finger may be removably inserted whereby the bottom portion of the structure is embedded within the body of soap 12, such that, when, in use, a user's finger may be inserted into the top portion of the structure, where it will rest atop the top surface of the soap and the bottom portion of the structure will remain substantially embedded in the soap as it dissolves. The top portion of the structure also provides a means to hang the soap while not in use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2018
    Publication date: January 31, 2019
    Inventor: Geoffrey Scott Hyde
  • Publication number: 20190029476
    Abstract: A wet towelette dispensing device is provided. The device is operable in conjunction with a container storing a plurality of dried, compressed, individually wrapped, preferably sealed towelettes. The device includes a pump configured to transfer a predetermined amount of liquid from a liquid reservoir to a heat exchanger to heat the liquid to a predetermined temperature, a plunger configured to release a first one of the towelettes from its individual wrapping. The device further includes a liquid dispense unit configured to deliver the heated liquid to the released towelette.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2018
    Publication date: January 31, 2019
    Inventors: Melanie H. McCarthy, Steve Wild, Jon E. Stevenson
  • Publication number: 20190029477
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatuses for optimizing performance of a product dispenser are provided herein. Depending on the circumstances surrounding the product dispenser (e.g., the environment, the type or habits of users or individual users, etc.), initial dispensing parameter settings of the product dispenser may be undesirable. Using monitored usage data, optimized dispensing parameters can be determined to achieve more desirable usage of the product dispenser (e.g., decrease waste, power save, increase efficiency, etc.). Additionally, using bounding parameters and/or information from the environment (e.g., nearby product dispensers) can lead to further optimized performance of the product dispenser. User or group specific optimized dispensing parameters can also be determined and used.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2018
    Publication date: January 31, 2019
    Inventor: Brian Scott Borke
  • Publication number: 20190029478
    Abstract: The present invention provides a pack of tissues including multiple tissues arranged in a stack and a dispenser including a dispensing orifice enclosing the stack. At least a portion of the tissues are folded so as to have a leading edge contacting the upper surface of a center panel and a trailing edge contacting the bottom surface of the center panel. The tissues are interfolded such as to have a portion of the leading edge of a first, or preceding, tissue overlap the leading edge of a second, or succeeding tissue. In this manner, the leading edge of the first tissue terminates at a first vertical axis and the leading edge of the second tissue terminates at a second vertical axis where the distance between the first and second vertical axis is greater than 0.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2016
    Publication date: January 31, 2019
    Inventor: Jessica Annette Ives Dieringer
  • Publication number: 20190029479
    Abstract: A toilet seat apparatus, including a planetary gear assembly, a seat, being fixed a sun gear of the planetary gear assembly, and a stick, being fixed to a ring gear of the planetary gear assembly, thereby a first angle of manual rotation of the stick applies a second angle of rotation of the seat being larger than the first angle, while the planetary gear assembly is durable due to distribution of force applied thereon between a plurality of planet gears thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2018
    Publication date: January 31, 2019
    Inventor: SAM DRAWSHA
  • Publication number: 20190029480
    Abstract: A portable electric heating ice scraper with an elongated housing, configured to remove ice from a windshield. The housing includes: a front housing portion including a front housing end and a scraper disposed at the front housing end, and a rear housing portion including a handle and a rear housing end. An electric-powered fan that generates an airflow in a direction of the scraper and at least one electric-powered heating element configured to heat the airflow are disposed in the housing. The front housing portion and the rear housing portion approximately extend on a plane in a longitudinal direction of the housing or the front housing portion is curved at an angle not greater than 35° relative to the rear housing portion in the longitudinal direction of the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2018
    Publication date: January 31, 2019
    Applicant: XIN FENG ELECTRICAL CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Knut NIEHAUS
  • Publication number: 20190029481
    Abstract: A cleaner comprises a cleaner main body, a first main body formed in a spherical shape and a second main body protruding from the front of the first main body such that the width at a second point located forward of a first point is smaller than the width at the first point.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2017
    Publication date: January 31, 2019
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD
    Inventors: Young Jun CHO, Won Kyu LIM
  • Publication number: 20190029482
    Abstract: This invention relates to a suction head (10) for a vacuum cleaner and method of operation. The suction head (10) has a bottom surface (26) and one or more floor-engaging parts (36) adjacent to the bottom surface (26), an opening (24) in the bottom surface (26) and a rotatable brush (30) located at the opening (24). The suction head (10) has a front end (16) and a rear end (18), the front end (16) having a recess (22) in communication with the opening (24). A movable strip (42) is located in the recess (22), the movable strip (42) being movable between a first position and a second position, the bottom edge of the movable strip 4(2) being closer to the plane of the floor-engaging parts (36) in its first position than in its second position. At least one first element (54) is connected to the movable strip (42) and is able to project to the plane of the floor-engaging parts (36).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2017
    Publication date: January 31, 2019
    Inventors: NICHOLAS GERALD GREY, MATTHEW JAMES ISTED, ANDREW JOHN KENT
  • Publication number: 20190029483
    Abstract: There is provided a robot cleaner having an improved dust-collecting capability and an improved suction force and capable of being manufactured in a small size. The robot cleaner includes a main body comprising a fan motor and having a suction port provided in one side thereof; a plurality of cyclone units configured to separate foreign substances in air suctioned through the suction port; and a plurality of suction flow paths connecting the plurality of cyclone units and the suction port.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2018
    Publication date: January 31, 2019
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Sin Ae Kim, Young Jae Park, Keon Soo Choi
  • Publication number: 20190029484
    Abstract: Disclosed are a clamping-type dust suction tube of a vacuum cleaner and a hand-held vacuum cleaner. The clamping-type dust suction tube includes a tube body and a conductive assembly arranged within the tube body, the tube body includes a plurality of sub-tubes connected in a butt joint manner to form a whole tube, joints arranged at joint portions of every two sub-tubes, and locking mechanisms arranged on the joints and used for locking every two sub-tubes with respect to each other, wherein the length of each sub-tube is less than or equal to a length, a width or a height of other components of the vacuum cleaner. The whole clamping-type dust suction tube is convenient for assembly and carry, reduces the volume of the package, and in addition, it is simple in structure, convenient to implement, and low in cost.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2016
    Publication date: January 31, 2019
    Applicant: Suzhou Aijian Electric Appliance Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: YUQI ZHANG
  • Publication number: 20190029485
    Abstract: Disclosed are a conductive telescopic tube and a hand-held vacuum cleaner, the conductive telescopic tube includes a plurality of sleevings capable of extending-retracting with respect to each other, and conductive assemblies disposed on each of the sleevings and capable of being connected with each other, and the conductive assemblies include mounting seats disposed on one side of the sleevings along a length direction of each of the sleevings, contact strips disposed along a length direction of the mounting seat, and a conductive joint conductively connecting every two adjacent of the contact strips respectively, wherein every two adjacent of the mounting seats are telescopically disposed, two end portions of the conductive joint are respectively located within two adjacent mounting seats, and capable of always conductively connecting the two adjacent contact strips. The hand-held vacuum cleaner includes a vacuum cleaner body, a dust suction head and the conductive telescopic tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2016
    Publication date: January 31, 2019
    Applicant: Suzhou Aijian Electric Appliance Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: YUQI ZHANG
  • Publication number: 20190029486
    Abstract: This disclosure describes various methods and apparatus for detecting and characterizing debris pickup during a cleaning operation. A debris detection sensor is described capable of counting the number of particles retrieved by a robotic vacuum during the cleaning operation and associating particles identified with particular areas. The location information can be obtained using various sensors on-board the robotic vacuum. In some embodiments, a cleaning operation can be rerouted when senor readings from the debris detection sensor deviate from historical sensor readings by a predetermined amount.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2018
    Publication date: January 31, 2019
    Inventors: Sarath Kumar SUVARNA, Rachel LUCAS, Kingman YEE, Thomas BONIA
  • Publication number: 20190029487
    Abstract: An anti-static vacuum cleaner is provided, which comprises a machine body, wherein components on the machine body comprise a suction portion, a main body and a dust collector; the suction portion is communicated with the dust collector arranged on the main body, and a handle is arranged on the main body; the main body is arranged therein with a battery pack which supplies power to the anti-static vacuum cleaner through a power supply line; the components on the machine body at least form a static electricity generating portion, the static electricity generating portion is electrically connected with the handle through the power supply line, and the static electricity generating portion and the handle have no load between access points on the power supply line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2017
    Publication date: January 31, 2019
    Applicant: ECOVACS ROBOTICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Dehua ZHOU, Zhenhua ZHANG, Wenchao ZHU
  • Publication number: 20190029488
    Abstract: A popcorn ceiling scraper includes a scraping head with multiple blades, at least one of which is oriented horizontally in the same plane as the scraping head with other blades extending vertically from the scraping head. The ceiling scraper has a funnel arranged below the scraping head, and the funnel and the scraping head are formed to reach to an edge or juncture between a ceiling and a wall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2018
    Publication date: January 31, 2019
    Applicant: PBJT Engineering Solutions LLC
    Inventors: Paul Evans, Jared Jeffcoat, Travis Murphy, Brent Jeffcoat
  • Publication number: 20190029489
    Abstract: An autonomous cleaner includes a body having a first housing formed at a front and a second housing formed at a rear of the first housing; a brush unit installed at the first housing and configured to sweep and collect dust from a floor; a dust collecting unit installed at the second housing and configured to store the dust inlet into the brush unit; a driving unit to drive the body and coupled to the second housing to be positioned at a lateral side of the dust collecting unit; and a power unit installed at the second housing and coupled to be positioned at a rear of the dust collecting unit. The miniaturization of the autonomous cleaner may be provided while at the same time the capacity of a dust collecting container and the capacity of a battery are increased.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2018
    Publication date: January 31, 2019
    Applicant: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hwi-Chan JANG, Tae Soo KIM, Hyun Soo JUNG, Sang Hwa CHOI, Sang Sik YOON, Shin KIM, Jin Hee KIM, Yeon Kyu JEONG, Hak Bong LEE, Young Ho KO, Kyoung Woung KIM
  • Publication number: 20190029490
    Abstract: A care item for cleaning a determined surface is provided. The item has a three-dimensional textile component of unitary knitted construction, including a first knitted textile layer and a second knitted textile layer, connected by connecting threads extending between the first textile layer and the second textile layer, in that the first layer comprises, on its external face referred to as cleaning, microfibres, and optionally scratching fibres having a count greater than 1 dtex, and in that the connecting threads form a water-absorbing intermediate layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2017
    Publication date: January 31, 2019
    Inventor: Nils RIANCHO
  • Publication number: 20190029491
    Abstract: A method for reducing auto-dosing fluctuation of a washing machine equipped with an automatic dosing device, by using a liquid detergent with a relatively low high-shear viscosity. A cleaning system including a washing machine equipped with an auto-dosing device, in combination with a liquid detergent characterized by a relative low high-shear viscosity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2018
    Publication date: January 31, 2019
    Inventors: Ming TANG, Xiaolin YANG
  • Publication number: 20190029492
    Abstract: A dishwashing appliance includes a tub defining a wash chamber. The dishwashing appliance also includes a fluid circulation system configured to deliver fluid to the wash chamber. The fluid circulation system includes a heating element in operative communication with at least one component of the fluid circulation system. The dishwashing appliance also includes a heat pipe heat exchanger having a condenser section and an evaporator section. The condenser section is in operative communication with the wash chamber and the evaporator section is in operative communication with the heating element of the fluid circulation system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2017
    Publication date: January 31, 2019
    Inventors: Ramasamy Thiyagarajan, Adam Christopher Hofmann
  • Publication number: 20190029493
    Abstract: A drain device includes a first tank body, a second tank body, a third tank body and a drain rack, a bottom surface of the first tank body being mounted and fixed to a top surface of the second tank body, a bottom surface of the second tank body being mounted and fixed to a top surface of the third tank body, the first tank body, the second tank body and the third tank body being in communication with one another to form a washing cavity, a bottom inner side wall of the first tank body being provided with two steps in a lengthwise direction of the first tank body, an inner side wall of the third tank body being provided with two receiving portions in a lengthwise direction of the third tank body, the cross-sectional area of the second tank body gradually increasing from top to bottom.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2017
    Publication date: January 31, 2019
    Inventors: Jiazhi Chen, Huakun Liang
  • Publication number: 20190029494
    Abstract: An endoscope has a distal end constituting portion provided at a distal end of an insertion section to be inserted into a subject, a distal end cover that is integrally formed to include a translucent plate-shaped first member and a second member arranged around the first member and that is attached to an end surface of the distal end constituting portion, and a resin portion that is annularly applied to a portion including a boundary portion between the first member and the second member and that prevents transmission of a fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2018
    Publication date: January 31, 2019
    Applicant: OLYMPUS CORPORATION
    Inventor: Kohei ARAKI
  • Publication number: 20190029495
    Abstract: This medical device includes a bonded member, and a cured adhesive body in close contact with the bonded member, wherein the cured adhesive body is formed by curing a thermosetting adhesive for a medical device, and wherein the thermosetting adhesive for a medical device is formed by diffusing an infrared absorbent into a thermosetting resin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2018
    Publication date: January 31, 2019
    Applicant: OLYMPUS CORPORATION
    Inventor: Hiroki YOKOYAMA
  • Publication number: 20190029496
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing optical units for endoscope includes: a step of fabricating device wafers; a step of laminating the device wafers to fabricate a bonded wafer; a first fixation step of fixing the bonded wafer to a first substrate; a first cutting step of cutting the bonded wafer along first cutting lines to divide the bonded wafer into slice bodies; a second fixation step of fixing cutting surfaces of the slice bodies to a second substrate; a second cutting step of cutting the slice bodies along second cutting lines to divide the slice bodies into the optical units for endoscope; and a step of removing the optical units for endoscope from the second substrate; and an area of each side face fixed to the second substrate is larger than an area of a light incident surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2018
    Publication date: January 31, 2019
    Applicant: OLYMPUS CORPORATION
    Inventor: Takatoshi IGARASHI
  • Publication number: 20190029497
    Abstract: The present application discloses a reusable or disposable wireless endoscopic viewing device comprising a wireless transmitter, which can be a microchip transmitter. The reusable wireless endoscopic viewing device also comprises a light source, which can be an L.E.D. light source. The application also discloses a kit having the wireless device. A method for using the reusable wireless endoscopic viewing device is also described and is applicable to any target tissue, bone, joint or target area of the body of a subject.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2018
    Publication date: January 31, 2019
    Inventors: Romi Mirza, Ather Mirza
  • Publication number: 20190029498
    Abstract: The device for controlling an endoscopic insertion tube in accordance with the invention has a lever (1) which is movably mounted on a joint of at least two degrees of freedom which is fixed in the base (2a) or on a flexible element fixed to the base (2a). In the base (2a) four upper pins (8) and at least two lower pins (9) are mounted, each at 90 degrees angle. The ends of the upper arch guide (3) are fixed to the two opposite upper pins (8) and ends of the other opposite upper pins (8) are fixed to the ends of the lower arch guide (4). The upper arch guide (3) goes movably through the lever (1) right above the lower arch guide (4), which goes also through the lever (1). A movement of the lever (1) causes a movement of single arch guide or both arch guides simultaneously. At least two driving gears (5) are mounted on the perpendicular to each other upper pins (8). Every each driving gear (5) forms a transmission with a corresponding driven gear (6) mounted on the lower pin (9).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2018
    Publication date: January 31, 2019
    Applicant: EndoScope sp. z o.o.
    Inventors: Szymon Mankowski, Patrycjusz Mankowski
  • Publication number: 20190029499
    Abstract: An endoscope includes a body and a circuit board mounted within the body. A cable couples the circuit board to an imaging system. A common-mode choke is mounted within the body and is configured to electrically isolate the cable from the body at cautery frequencies. A method includes twisting a plurality of wires together to form a twisted set of wires. The twisted set of wires is wound around a core so that windings do not overlap, and so that a first winding and a last winding are separated from each other. Wires in the twisted set of wires are coupled to a plurality of wires in the cable. Also, these wires in the twisted set of wires are also coupled to the circuit board.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2017
    Publication date: January 31, 2019
    Applicant: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Alan W. Petersen, Bryan E. Blair, Andrey Polonsky
  • Publication number: 20190029500
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include an apparatus including an enclosure configured to receive an endoscope having an electromagnetic radiation sensor. The apparatus also includes an electromagnetic radiation source having at least a portion disposed within the enclosure. The electromagnetic radiation source is configured to emit electromagnetic radiation based on a calibration instruction. The electromagnetic radiation sensor is configured to receive at least a portion of the electromagnetic radiation when at least a portion of the endoscope is coupled to the enclosure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2018
    Publication date: January 31, 2019
    Applicant: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
    Inventors: Nathaniel McCAFFREY, Jane BAREAU, Laura KEITH, James McNALLY, Jason SPROUL
  • Publication number: 20190029501
    Abstract: A stereoscopic endoscope includes at least one illumination source disposed at a distal end portion in a position to project light to illuminate an object. The endoscope also includes an image capture assembly mounted at the distal end portion. The assembly includes first and second lens trains extending proximally from the distal end portion. The assembly includes an image sensor having a surface with a right side image area and a left side image area. The sensor surface lies in a plane substantially parallel to a plane in which the first and second lens trains lie. The assembly includes at least one optical element disposed to intercept light passing through the first and second lens trains. The optical element is configured to direct light exiting the first lens train to the right side image area and to direct light exiting the second lens trains to the left side image area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2018
    Publication date: January 31, 2019
    Applicant: INTUITIVE SURGICAL OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: David C. SHAFER, Dennis C. LEINER
  • Publication number: 20190029502
    Abstract: A variably-flexible device that comprises a hollow body, a steering element that steers a steerable portion of the hollow body, the steering element being comprised of steering tendons disposed within the hollow body, a torque-transmitting element that extends into the steerable portion of the hollow body, and stiffening element disposed within the hollow body to selectively maintain the hollow body in a relatively stiff condition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2018
    Publication date: January 31, 2019
    Applicant: Syntheon, LLC
    Inventors: Kevin W. Smith, Derek Dee Deville, Korey Kline, Matthew A. Palmer
  • Publication number: 20190029503
    Abstract: The channel tube for endoscope according to the present invention is provided with: an inner-layer tube inside which a through hole extending in a longitudinal direction is formed, the inner-layer tube having as a base material thereof an elastomer or a flexible resin; an elastomer layer comprising a polymer elastomer, the elastomer layer being disposed so as to cover the outside of the inner-layer tube, and the surface of the elastomer layer being exposed to the outside; a reinforcing layer part including a flexible reinforcing member, the reinforcing layer part being disposed so as to surround the inner-layer tube; and a buffer layer part which deforms more readily than the reinforcing layer part, the buffer layer part being layered on the reinforcing layer part and disposed between the inner-layer tube and an outer peripheral surface of the elastomer layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2018
    Publication date: January 31, 2019
    Applicant: OLYMPUS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Takaaki HANAI, Kiyoshi TAKAO, Yoshiteru NONAKA, Yoshinori HIGUCHI
  • Publication number: 20190029504
    Abstract: Methods for capturing and transmitting images by an in-vivo device comprise operating a pixel array in a superpixel readout mode to capture probe image, for example, according to a time interval. Concurrently to capturing of each probe image, the probe image is evaluated alone or in conjunction with other probe image(s), and if it is determined that no event of interest is detected by the last probe image, or by the last few probe images, the pixel array is operated in the superpixel readout mode and a subsequent probe image is captured. However, if it is determined that the last probe image, or the last few probe images, detected an event of interest, the pixel array is operated in a single pixel readout mode and a single normal image, or a series of normal image, is captured and transmitted, for example, to an external receiver.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2017
    Publication date: January 31, 2019
    Applicant: Given Imaging Ltd.
    Inventors: Ron NADIV, Orl HAY, Moran HORESH, Dori PELEG, Stas ROZENFELD
  • Publication number: 20190029505
    Abstract: Provided are an optical interference tomographic image generating apparatus and a method for using the same, whereby an image can be acquired in which the effect of unnecessary matter near a sample is reduced. An optical interference tomographic image generating apparatus is provided with an OCT control device for performing image processing for vertically inverting an image generated from a detection signal in the case of a setting whereby a reference mirror is disposed so that the optical path length of a reference optical path matches the optical path length of a sample optical path having as a reference position a position at a greater depth along the optical axis of a sample than a subject.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2017
    Publication date: January 31, 2019
    Inventor: Hideo Kakuma
  • Publication number: 20190029506
    Abstract: Video endoscope comprising a distal end with a video camera assembly and a lens assembly arranged along a longitudinal axis, the video camera assembly comprising a video module, a video module holder, a proximal bushing arranged on the video module holder, a metal shield enclosing the video module along the longitudinal axis, and a flexible video cable, wherein the video cable is connected to the video module, runs through the video module holder and the proximal bushing away from the video module and is in contact with the bushing, wherein the video module comprises a video imager and control circuitry, wherein the metal shield has on its outside a dielectric coating obtained by material treatment of the metal shield, and wherein a maximum cross section of the distal end is less than 0.75 cm2. Further, a video endoscopy system is disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2018
    Publication date: January 31, 2019
    Inventor: Indrek-Toomas Polluks
  • Publication number: 20190029507
    Abstract: An optical fiber scanner includes an optical fiber and a fixed member that is fixed to the outer periphery of the optical fiber. The fixed member is provided with: two vibration parts that are adjacent to the optical fiber in radial directions of the optical fiber that intersect with each other and that expand and contract in the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber; and a connector that connects the two vibration parts. The two vibration parts respectively have inner surfaces that abut against the outer periphery of the optical fiber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2018
    Publication date: January 31, 2019
    Applicant: OLYMPUS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hirokazu YOKOTA, Yasuaki KASAI, Hiroshi TSURUTA, Takashi YASUMI
  • Publication number: 20190029508
    Abstract: An endoscope light source device to which a connection portion of an endoscope is detachably attached includes a light source section that radiates primary light that enters an entrance end in the connection portion, a positioning member that positions the entrance end on a center axis of the primary light from the light source section when the connection portion is arranged in the light source device, and a pressing member that presses the connection portion toward the positioning member after the connection portion is arranged in the positioning member. The light source device further includes a heat transmission member that functions as at least one of the positioning member and the pressing member, and transmits heat generated from the connection portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2018
    Publication date: January 31, 2019
    Applicant: OLYMPUS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Motoki TABATA, Takeshi ITO
  • Publication number: 20190029509
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to systems and method for testing and determining corrective lens prescription for a patient. In an example embodiment, a method includes using a hand-portable first electronic device, a second electronic device with a computerized screen, and a server to conduct a vision test for a person. The vision test includes determining, an axis prescription, a cylinder prescription, and a sphere prescription for each eye of the person. A corrective lens prescription is provided for the person based, at least in part, on the determined axis, cylinder, and sphere prescription for each eye of the person.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2018
    Publication date: January 31, 2019
    Inventor: Steven P. Lee
  • Publication number: 20190029510
    Abstract: Embodiments test a subject's vision. A polarization arrangement polarizes incident light and rotates an angle of polarization applied to the incident light about an axis substantially collinear with a path of the light. An optical component directs light onto the polarization arrangement and produces light having a selected degree of polarization and having a rotating angle of polarization for observation by the subject The subject may be able to observe the visual phenomenon known as Haidinger's brushes and due to the rotation of the angle of polarization the eye's tendency to adapt away the phenomenon is counteracted, so that the effect persists and a more reliable testing of the subject can be carried out. Testing the subject's ability to perceive the phenomenon at multiple selectable degrees of polarization enables an assessment of the subject's eyes, and an estimate of macular pigment optical density and susceptibility to age-related macular degeneration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2017
    Publication date: January 31, 2019
    Inventor: Shelby Temple
  • Publication number: 20190029511
    Abstract: A method, system and computer readable medium for determining a strabismus angle of the eyes of an individual by: positioning the individual with his or her eyes in front of an eye tracker device and in front of a screen at a viewing distance; displaying a small image element on the screen; measuring a position and line of sight of the eyes of the individual with the eye tracker device while the individual is focussing on the small image element; forwarding the measured position and line of sight of the eyes from the eye tracker device to a computer system; and, calculating the strabismus angle between the eyes by calculating the difference in line of sight of the left and right eyes of the individual.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2017
    Publication date: January 31, 2019
    Inventor: Bob Wilhelm van Dijk
  • Publication number: 20190029512
    Abstract: An optical coherence tomography (OCT) system includes: a light source; a multi-focal delay line; and a light detector. The multi-focal delay line includes: a positive lens; and an optical switch configured to: receive a light from the light source; selectively direct the sample light to the positive lens via a selected one of a plurality of light interfaces each located a different distance from the focal plane of the positive lens; and direct the sample light to an object to be measured. The light detector is configured to receive return light returned from the object to be measured in response to the sample light, and to receive a reference light produced from the light from the light source, and in response thereto to detect at least one interference signal. An associated OCT method may be performed with the OCT system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2018
    Publication date: January 31, 2019
    Inventors: Paul Pulaski, Daniel R. Neal, Thomas D. Raymond, Stephen W. Farrer, Daniel R. Hamrick, Richard J. Copland
  • Publication number: 20190029513
    Abstract: A process for ocular analysis is disclosed. Aspects of the process display, on a device having a display and a camera sensor, a regimented pattern as a stimulus. The camera sensor captures video of an environment. The process also involves isolating an iris within the environment as a bounded region of the captured video. Facial landmarks are assigned to the iris within the bounded region. Thereafter, raw movement data of the facial landmark in response to the regimented pattern is extracted from the captured video. The raw movement data is used to create filtered movement data (e.g., data that has been checked for errors). The process also compares the filtered movement data to a predetermined movement response that is based on the regimented pattern. From the comparison, a performance score is generated. The performance score is used to generate an output.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2018
    Publication date: January 31, 2019
    Inventors: Kory Adam Gunnerson, Jordan Doczy, Joshua M. Gratsch, Maria Lupp