Abstract: Utensils, including forks, with movable components, and associated systems and methods are disclosed. A representative utensil includes a first tool carried by and movable relative to a first arm portion, a second tool carried by and movable relative to a second arm portion, and a hinge coupling the first and second arm portions.

Abstract: A camping tool including a spatula including a blade, a spatula handle, a tongs dovetail connector arranged on a first side of the spatula handle, and a storage dovetail connector arranged on a second side of the spatula handle opposite the first side, a spoon including a bowl, a spoon handle, and a spoon connector including a spoon flange sized to be received in the tongs dovetail connector or the storage dovetail connector, a fork including tines, a fork handle, and a fork connector including a fork flange sized to be received in the tongs dovetail connector or the storage dovetail connector, and a tool including at least one of a can opener, a package opener, a bottle opener, and a vegetable peeler, and a tool flange sized to be received in the storage dovetail connector.

Abstract: Disclosed is a reusable combination corrugated drinking straw and whistle. The drinking straw has an elongated tubular body with a fluid passage running therethrough. The tubular body is manufactured from metal (e.g., stainless steel) and has a plurality of corrugations extending radially outward therefrom. The tubular body is flexible and adapted to be bent so as to enable a user of the corrugated drinking straw to sip a beverage from a cup or the like. The corrugated drinking straw can also be used to produce an audible whistling sound when it is removed from the cup. The whistling sound is achieved when the user blows his breath against a blowing end of the drinking straw that is cut through one of the corrugations that extends radially outward from the tubular body. In this case, the corrugated drinking straw is wider at its blowing end than at the tubular body thereof.

Abstract: A beverage-container holder and method for removably mounting such holder to a fixed object for holding of a beverage-container. The beverage-container holder includes: a first member comprising a first front arm, a first hub, and a first rear arm; a second member comprising a second front arm, a second hub, and a second rear arm; a fastener for rotatably adjoining the first hub to the second hub, a front channel for receiving the beverage-container when the beverage-container holder is mounted on the fixed object, a rear channel for receiving the fixed object; a mechanical bias forcing the first front arm and the second front arm rearwards, the first rear arm separating from the second rear arm and defining a space therebetween when a manual force is applied, and passing the fixed object through the space into the rear channel and releasing of the manual force.

Abstract: A thermal stabilization vessel may include a double walled tube. The tube may have an outer wall, an inner wall, and a sealed off volume located between the inner and outer walls. A removable base may close off a bottom opening of the tube and conduct heat to or from a container placed within the vessel. A top may partially close off a top opening of the tube. The top may include an annulus of elastomeric material. The annulus may have a plurality of resilient tabs extending radially inward toward a central axis of the tube. When a container such as a bottle of wine is placed within a vessel, the tabs of the annulus may resiliently deflect as needed to accommodate the container and then restrict air exchange between an ambient environment and a space located interior to the inner wall of the tube and exterior to the container.

Abstract: A hanging compartmental accessory organizer that typically includes a hanging mechanism such as a hook, an optional support bar that is in communication with the hanging mechanism, a flexible back panel that is hanging from and supported by the hook and if present the support bar, at least one compartment member; wherein, the back panel comprises attachment strips, and the at least one compartment member comprising corresponding attachment means, such that the compartment member is removably attachable at multiple points on the back panel

Abstract: A mailbox assembly includes a mailbox and a mail status indication feature. The mail status indication feature or apparatus includes a base, an indicator arm carried on the base and displaceable between a home position, a first deployed position and a second deployed position and an adjustment feature for releasably holding the indicator arm in the home position, the first deployed position and the second deployed position.

Abstract: Method consisting in allowing a ritual gesture similar to that used to light a non-lit candle with a lit candle, the method using a system including at least two optical units for the ritual-gestural control of the sending/receiving commands between devices, the commands being turning on, turning off and the like, the devices being provided with at least the optical units.

Abstract: The invention discloses a drinking vessel comprising a beverage container and a spillage receptacle, the latter having an opening which excessively encompasses the vertical projection of the widest outer periphery of the beverage container. The spillage receptacle further comprises an annulated top surface designed to maintain the spillage in the spillage receptacle while the drinking vessel is tilted. The invention also provides a drinking vessel comprising a beverage container, a spillage receptacle which encompasses the vertical projection of the widest outer periphery of the beverage container, and an annulated draining surface (e.g. a funnel) wherein the top end of the spillage receptacle has a wider diameter than a lower holding portion of the drinking vessel, thus protecting the hand of the holder from spillage.

Abstract: A do-it-yourself craft includes a solid, spherical base constructed of a material selected from a group consisting of a closed-cell extruded and an expanded polystyrene foam and a mounting portion attached to the base. The mounting portion includes an anchor, a plastic cap and an eyelet. The anchor includes a lower portion defining a plurality of threads engaged with the base and an upper portion defining an opening. The plastic cap includes a circumferentially extending sidewall and an end wall having a hole. The hole is aligned with the opening of the anchor. The eyelet includes a lower threaded portion passing through the hole in the end wall of the plastic cap and engaged with the opening in the anchor.

Abstract: The disclosed technology includes a universal tree stand for supporting trees with tree trunks of various sizes. The universal tree stand may include a clamping element to flexibly receive and secure tree trunks of different sizes. The universal tree stand may further include a fastening element that can tighten the grip of the clamping element around the tree trunk.

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: A sous vide device and method of using the same may include a body that is fully submergible in a container of water and may wirelessly communicate with an external device, e.g., to control an external heating element during sous vide cooking. Further, a sous vide device may include a rechargeable battery capable of being wirelessly recharged from a charging dock. In addition, a sous vide device may include a moisture sensor for use in changing the activation state of a heating element and/or a turbidity sensor for use in changing the activation state of a water circulator of the sous vide device.

Abstract: A cooking appliance including a temperature sensing system having an upper housing having a first heating surface and a lower housing having a second heating surface includes a temperature sensing probe, a control panel and a control unit in electrical communication with the temperature sensing probe and the control panel. The temperature sensing probe is removably received by the upper housing and extends through the first heating surface. The control panel has one or more input buttons for allowing a user to select at least one input parameter including a desired internal temperature of a food item.

Abstract: The invention is a novel programmable percolator for coffee beverages with smart programming to control brew time start, brew time stop, temperature, and an audible signal when the brewing cycle is complete, as well as entire shut down of the percolator at user specified time intervals. The percolator is programmed and controlled via a smart chip which may also receive wireless commands for percolator operation. The base for the percolator also creates a warming plate which can be set for timed intervals to keep the brewed coffee beverage warm.

Abstract: A coffee-based beverage preparation system is disclosed that receives a brewed coffee frozen ice block and, in certain embodiments, prepares a brewed coffee beverage at a desired temperature without the requirement to add water from a water reservoir. In one embodiment, the coffee-based beverage preparation system includes a preparation chamber for receiving a degassed frozen brewed coffee beverage and a plurality of heating elements configured to apply heat to the preparation chamber to melt the degassed frozen brewed coffee beverage. The coffee-based beverage preparation system also includes an outlet port comprising in fluidic communication with the preparation chamber and an electronically controlled valve secured to the outlet port that is configured release the fluid content of the preparation chamber into a receiving vessel, such as when the fluid reaches a predetermined temperature.

Abstract: A portable electric grill and method of use are described. The grill includes a double walled dome lid, a basin having a cavity, a grill that interfaces with the basin, a first heating element, a second heating element, a temperature controlling component, and a support that interfaces with a surface. The double walled dome lid includes a dome lid inner wall and a dome lid outer wall. The dome lid inner wall and the dome lid outer wall are joined at a base of the double walled dome lid. The basin interfaces with the base of the double walled dome lid, and the basin includes a hinge coupling the basin and the double walled dome lid. The first heating element is radially disposed about an exterior surface of the dome lid inner wall and within the dome lid outer wall. The second heating element is disposed within the basin cavity.

Abstract: A barbecue grill grate system including a coated cooking grate having a plurality of cooking members defining a planar cooking surface. The coated cooking grate is configured to be removably placed on a barbecue-grill. The plurality of cooking members are arranged in a cross-section fashion in a grid-profile providing openings along the planar cooking surface to permit convection of heated air from a lower portion of the barbecue-grill to an upper portion of the barbecue-grill. The coated cooking grate includes a copper-infused-coating.

Abstract: A heating or cooking method and apparatus is provided. The heating or cooking method or apparatus includes an insulated combustion chamber having an opening at one end and an extension ring extending from the open end. The extension ring may have at least one tab extending from the extension ring, configured to provide an air exhaust space when a piece of cookware is used with the heating apparatus. A fuel receptacle configured to fit inside the combustion chamber has a raised center section with at least one heat channel and a peripheral section with at least one hooded slot. The fuel receptacle may also have a lateral wall separated from the inner enclosure wall of the combustion chamber by a space when the fuel receptacle is situated within the combustion chamber. A grill having essentially the same perimeter shape as the fuel receptacle and a handle is also provided.

Abstract: A blender for blending foodstuff comprises a base enclosing a motor, a jar for containing foodstuff that is removably mountable to the base, and a lid removably mountable to the jar to selectively close off the top end. The lid comprises a main body having an opening defined therein, and a cap removably mountable to the main body to selectively close off the opening. When the cap is mounted to the main body and the lid is mounted to the jar, a tortuous airflow path is provided between the main body and cap to allow airflow into or out of the jar.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an over-the-tub double-sided step stool for providing a user, preferably a toddler or small child, with a means of un-assisted ingress and egress into a bathtub. The device may comprise an outer side and an inner side oriented such that they engage an outer and inner side, respectively, of a standard tub wall. Said outer and inner sides of the device may each further comprise a first step and a second step to provide elevation to a user of the device. Such outer and inner sides of the device may be connected to each other, whether permanently or removably, by a top step that may engage a top side of a standard tub wall. Said outer and inner sides of the device may further comprise a plurality of attachment receivers to which a plurality of non-slip foot attachments or suction foot attachments may be engaged to provide traction to the device.

Abstract: A bathtub insert assembly for facilitating safe bathing includes a shell, which has a top that is open. A lower section of the shell is substantially complementary to a width of a bathtub. An interior surface of the shell is resilient and is configured to absorb an impact imparted by a user to prevent injury. A first plate and a second plate are coupled to a first and second ends of the shell, respectively. The first plate is configured to seat the user. The second plate is configured to support the user's feet. A pair of armrests is coupled to the shell between the first plate and the top of the shell. At least one rail is coupled to the interior surface and is configured to position items, such as soap, and to be grasped in a hand of the user to assist the user in sitting and rising.

Abstract: The inventive technology disclosed herein, in embodiments, relates to a shower stall system that may include an inventive shower drain adaptor ring 11; an inventive anti-ligature grab rail system 30; and inventive, drop-in shower installation related apparatus and methods. Note that all of these may find application in a prison environment, but may find application in other environments as well (e.g., grab rail in kitchen, shower drain adaptor ring in residential shower, etc.).

Abstract: A combination shower and toilet is disclosed. The device comprises a base, a toilet bowl extending from the base, a shower head coupled to the base, a pivoting curtain rod coupled to the base, and a shower curtain coupled to the curtain rod.

Abstract: An exemplary dispenser includes a base having at least one rail, a cover, and a mounting portion for a refill unit having a container for fluid. The cover is slideable along at least one rail of the base between a closed position and an open position.

Abstract: An improved apparatus and method for cleaning is provided. More specifically, the present invention provides an improved apparatus having a vibratory portion adapted to a traditional scrubber apparatus such as a body scrubber. Additionally, the present invention provides an improved apparatus and method wherein the apparatus may have at least a vibratory portion adapted to fit about the body scrubber which may be activated and/or de-activated by the user. Moreover, the apparatus may include a reservoir for storage of a cleansing agent that may be dispensed from the vibratory portion to the body scrubber portion to help facilitate cleansing of the portion of the body to be cleaned. Still further, the invention may include at least a handle assembly in combination with the vibratory portion to provide a handle for use by the individual user.

Abstract: The invention provides sheet material, such as tissue products, folded such that the first and second ends of the sheet are folded towards one another, but do not abut or overlap. As such the first and second ends are spaced apart from one another such that there is some non-zero distance between them. The space between the two ends defines a waist portion having a height dimension that is less than either of the ends of the folded product. When sheets of material are folded in this manner and stacked one on top of another, the resulting stack also has a middle portion that is slimmer than the end portions. For example, the ends may have a first and second height (H1 and H2) that is substantially similar, while the middle portion may have a third height (H3) that is less than the first and second heights.

Abstract: A forced-air hand dryer having means and apparatus for decontaminating air passing through the forced-air hand dryer. In general, the embodiments described comprise at least one or a plurality of airflow generators, at least one conduit for passing air through the conduits and to at least one decontamination system where the air undergoes filtration and decontamination. The air generated may be located upstream or downstream of a hand-receiving area where a user places his or her hands for drying.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner comprising: a suction device; an extendable inlet nozzle in fluid communication with the suction device, the extendable inlet nozzle being extendable from a first operable position to a second operable position; a proximity sensor for detecting a surface; and a controller configured to change the suction power of the suction device in dependence on a signal from the proximity sensor and in dependence on the position of the extendable inlet nozzle.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a rotary mop cleaner. The rotary mop cleaner includes: a ball joint provided at a lower end of a stick and having a pair of engagement projections extending outwards from both side ends thereof; a rotary plate drive unit configured to rotate a rotary plate; a body configured to accommodate a lower hemisphere of the ball joint and having guide grooves configured to allow a pair of engagement projections to be inserted therein in order to ensure the rotation of the ball joint; a ball cover configured to cover an upper hemisphere of the ball joint; and a rotary plate bolted to the rotary shaft of the rotary plate drive unit, which extends to the lower portion of the body, so as to be movable relative thereto with a clearance therebetween.

Abstract: A manually operated cleaning device extends reach and cleaning functionality to low clearance areas. The cleaning device has a base foot portion including at least one base foot portion cleaning surface. A flexible extendable cleaning implement is attached at one end to the base foot region. A flexible extendable cleaning implement cleaning surface is attached to at least one side of the flexible extendable cleaning implement. A handle is attached via a pivotal mounting to either the base foot portion or the flexible extendable cleaning implement. A releasable fastener operatively couples the flexible extendable cleaning implement to the base foot portion and allows extension and retraction of the flexible extendable cleaning implement between a stowed position on top of the base foot region when the manually operated cleaning device is not in use and an elongated position allowing the manually operated cleaning device to access the low clearance floor areas.

Abstract: A method and dishwasher utilize one or more tubular spray elements that are both rotatable about longitudinal axes thereof and discretely directable by one or more tubular spray element drives between a plurality of rotational positions about the longitudinal axes thereof. Thus, through the provision of discretely directable tubular spray elements, fluid such as wash fluid and/or pressurized air may be focused in a wash tub, in many cases providing more efficient resource usage in the dishwasher.

Abstract: A dishwasher includes a tub with an access opening to a treating chamber, a sump, at least one sprayer emitting liquid into the treating chamber, a pump, a conduit fluidly coupling the sump to the pump and the pump to the at least one sprayer, thereby defining a recirculation circuit through which the liquid sprayed into the treating chamber collects in the sump and is pumped back to the at least one sprayer. The dishwasher also includes a filter assembly in the sump for filtering the liquid in the recirculation circuit including a cleaning element.

Abstract: A method and dishwasher utilize one or more sprayers that are coupled to both a liquid supply and an air supply through a common hydraulic circuit such that both liquid and pressurized air can be supplied to the one or more sprayers.

Abstract: A retracting rack for an appliance such as a dish washing appliance. The rack may be positionable between a stowed position and a deployed position. A spring may drive the rack towards the stowed position. A locking mechanism may be used to secure the rack in one or more positions.

Abstract: Provided is a medical observation device including: an encoding processing unit configured to compression-encode an image signal indicating a medical captured image by predetermined unit that is smaller than the medical captured image, the medical captured image being obtained by capturing an observation target by an imaging device; and a transmission unit configured to transmit the image signal compression-encoded by the predetermined unit.

Abstract: An insertion device includes an insertion portion in which a movable member is held in contact with an outer circumferential surface of a hollow cylindrical member. When drive power is transmitted from the hollow cylindrical member to the movable member as the hollow cylindrical member is rotated about a longitudinal axis of the insertion portion, the movable member is rotated around its own axis parallel to the longitudinal axis and moved around the longitudinal axis. The insertion portion includes a membrane covering the movable member from an outer circumferential side thereof. The membrane urges the movable member toward the longitudinal axis, thereby pressing the movable member against the outer circumferential surface of the hollow cylindrical member.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus includes a processor to: sequentially acquire plural subject images; select a detection target image from the plural subject images; detect the location of interest in the detection target image; generate spatial information of a superimposed object indicating the location of interest on one of the plural subject images; select a superimposition target image to be superimposed, from the plural subject images; generate inter-image correspondence information between the detection target image and the superimposition target image; correct the spatial information of the superimposed object, based on the inter-image correspondence information; and superimpose the superimposed object on the superimposition target image.

Abstract: An endoscope includes: a bending portion that is provided at a distal end of an insertion section, has plural bending pieces consecutively provided, and is bendable in at least one direction; a flexible tube provided at a proximal end side of the bending portion with flexibility; a control body that is provided at a proximal end side of the flexible tube and receives operation causing the bending portion to be bent; a wire that is inserted through the bending portion and the flexible tube and transmits the operation received by the control body to the distal end of the insertion section; a protruding portion being a plate-like member provided on the wire; and a holding portion that is provided on an inner peripheral surface of the bending piece and holds the protruding portion movably in a direction that the insertion section extends.

Abstract: A medical device includes: a sheath that is provided with a flexible section configured to have flexibility so as to be deformed between a first shape extending along the longitudinal axis and a second shape bent in a direction intersecting the longitudinal axis; a deformation assisting member attached to the sheath so as to be movable along a surface of the sheath; a position adjustment part connected to a proximal end section of the sheath, the position adjustment part being configured to adjust a relative position of the deformation assisting member with respect to the sheath; and a curved section provided at one of the flexible section and one longitudinal section of the deformation assisting member and having a bent shape. The deformation assisting member disposed at the flexible section imparts to the flexible section a driving force for causing deformation between the first shape and the second shape.

Abstract: There is provided an endoscope from which excellent close contact feeling is obtained and which is easy to grip in a case in which an operator is to grip a grip portion. A grip portion of an endoscope has a cross-sectional shape symmetric with respect to a second center line. The grip portion includes a first curved surface, second curved surfaces, and ridges. The first curved surface is a curved surface that is convex outward from a plane, which includes an intersection point between the second center line and the first curved surface and the ridge, and a plane, which includes an intersection point between the second center line and the first curved surface and the ridge. The second curved surfaces are concave inward from planes parallel to the second center line.

Abstract: An insertion apparatus includes a flexible tube to be inserted into an insertion target. The flexible tube is divided into segments arranged in series along a central axis. The insertion apparatus also includes a variable stiffness portion that varies a bending stiffness of the flexible tube in units of segments, a detector that detects state information of the flexible tube including velocity information, a calculator that calculates the velocity information of the flexible tube at two portions of the flexible tube based on the state information, and a controller that controls the bending stiffness of the flexible tube in units of segments through the variable stiffness portion based on a velocity ratio calculated based on the velocity information of the two portions.

Abstract: A visual system for laparoscopy comprising a visual device having a visual head member and an elongated connector; a manipulation device having a handheld operation portion, an insertion portion and a first contact element; and an external device comprising means to communicate with the vision head member, via the first contact element, when the elongated connector is mounted in an lumen of the insertion portion. The insertion portion of the manipulation device is configured to be extendable out from a body cavity through an airtight passage whereby the elongated connector is configured to be slidably mounted into the lumen of the insertion portion outside of the body cavity upon the insertion portion is withdrawn into the body cavity.

Abstract: A gripping device for an endoscope insertion tube utilizing first and second arms that are hingedly attached to one another. Each arm includes an opening to accommodate the insertion tube of an endo scope such that the endoscope insertion tube spans both arms. First and second jaws are associated with first and second arms and are positioned in opposition to one another. The movement of the arms toward one another causes the jaws to engage the insertion tube which is guided through the arms by the apertures found in the arms.

Abstract: A colonoscope including an egg-shaped image-capturing module and a wiring unit is disclosed. The image-capturing module includes a casing, a first image detector, a vibration motor and a control unit. The casing has first and second ends. The first end is made of a transparent material. The first image detector captures a first image. The vibration motor is configured to vibrate the casing. The control unit controls the first image detector to capture the first image. The control unit controls the vibration of the vibration motor. The wiring unit forms a vent and includes a plurality of lead wires and an air tube. Power can be transmitted to the control unit through the plurality of lead wires. The air tube is configured to convey air, and the vent is configured to output the air to a colon.

Abstract: Systems and methods for viewing stereoscopic video images are disclosed. In one example, a stereoscopic video imaging and tracking system can include a first video camera to generate a first video feed of a subject; and a second video camera spaced a distance from the first video camera to generate a second video feed of the subject, wherein the first video camera and the second video camera are directed toward a convergent point to provide a stereoscopic image of the subject. The system can also include a tracking system to cause the first video camera and the second video camera to follow a tracking point to maintain stereopsis of the subject. A head mountable video display can be present to display the stereoscopic image.

Abstract: This invention provides a method for obtaining ear drum standard image and the design of related otoscope and software, which includes the following steps: First, moving an otoscope with a circle sight to a target position in ear canal, and capturing an ear drum image; Then, choosing an ear drum region from the ear drum image, and calculating an area overlapping between the circle sight and the ear drum region. If the area does not satisfy a standard value, moving the otoscope to another target position, and repeating above steps; otherwise, choosing the ear drum image to be an ear drum standard image.

Abstract: An illuminating ring assembly is disclosed. The illuminating ring configured to be used with a surgical access element. The illuminating ring assembly comprises a housing defined by a cover and a wall member extending from the cover, wherein the cover and wall member cooperate to define a cavity therein, a light element configured to be disposed with the cavity, and an attachment mechanism configured to selectively attach the housing to a surgical access element. Wherein the cover and the light element both include an opening therethrough.

Abstract: A device for generating a stimulus in the form of at least one liquid droplet to evaluate ocular sensitivity, the device comprising a light source configured to illuminate an eye of the subject; a liquid reservoir configured to store a liquid; and a nozzle in fluid communication with the liquid reservoir and configured to deliver at least one liquid droplet to an eye of a subject. Delivery of the at least one liquid droplet to the eye of the subject provides a stimulus to the ocular surface of the subject's eye and enables the evaluation of the ocular sensitivity of the subject's eye.

Abstract: An ophthalmic device includes an anterior ocular segment photographing unit, a fixation target display unit, and a processor. The anterior ocular segment photographing unit captures an anterior ocular segment image of at least one of a left eye and a right eye of a subject. The fixation target display unit displays a fixation target with respect to the at least one of the left eye and the right eye of the subject. The processor measures an eye position of the at least one of the left eye and the right eye of the subject by processing the anterior ocular segment image captured by the anterior ocular segment photographing unit. The processor generates eye position state information, which indicates a state of the eye position of the subject, based on measurement results of the eye position at least two timings including a post-switch timing and a pre-switch timing.