Abstract: The kit for personalizing a bath mat is a set of one or more appliques that may be applied to the floor of a bathroom washing facility or to a bath mat. The appliques may improve the appearance of the surface to which they are applied. The appliques may improve the safety characteristics of the surface to which they are applied by providing a non-slip surface. Embodiments of the kit for personalizing a bath mat may be applied directly to a shower or bathtub floor or to a commercially available bath mat. Embodiments of the kit for personalizing a bath mat may comprise a specific bath mat with designated targets for guiding placement of the appliques or having superior bonding characteristics for the adhesive backing of the appliques.

Abstract: In one example, a wipe dispensing system includes a housing that defines an internal wipe storage area, a mixing element having an opening that communicates with the wipe storage area, a fluid reservoir disposed within the housing, a pump in communication with the fluid reservoir, a nozzle in communication with the pump and located proximate the opening of the mixing element such that an outlet of the nozzle is in communication with the opening of the mixing element, and a pump actuation mechanism operably connected with the pump and responsive to initiation of the dispensation of a wipe from the wipe dispensing system.

Abstract: A method of reducing sheet product waste generated during use of a sheet product dispenser in a particular location and over a broad range of usage rates includes designing a dispenser. The design includes determining a desired housing size to obtain a top to bottom height for sheet product roll storage within the housing, dividing the height by two to obtain a maximum roll diameter, locating two roll holders in the housing so that each holder may accept a roll having the maximum roll diameter, positioning a first roll of the maximum roll diameter in a first one of the two roll holders, and positioning a second roll of the maximum roll diameter in a second one of the two roll holders so that two rolls of equivalent length are configured to be dispensed sequentially from the dispenser. The installation and use of two rolls of maximum roll diameter reduces waste. Dispensers formed according to this method are also described.

Abstract: A hinge assembly for a toilet seat includes a mounting base, a hinge leaf assembly, a threaded bolt, a threaded nut, a washer, and an expanding dowel. The hinge leaf assembly includes hinge leaves configured to attach to a toilet seat and a toilet lid. The threaded bolt configured is to attach the mounting base to a flange portion of a toilet bowl, the bolt having a bolt head at one end. The threaded nut has a sloped surface and is configured to screw onto the bolt. The washer has a sloped surface and is configured to surround the bolt between the bolt head and the nut. The expanding dowel is configured to expand outward and is further configured to surround the bolt between the washer and the nut.

Abstract: A toilet seat includes a main body; a cover assembly detachably connected to the main body and rotatable with respect to the main body; a connecting mechanism arranged between the main body and the cover assembly and detachably connecting the cover assembly to the main body, and the connecting mechanism includes a bushing arranged in the main body, the bushing and the main body form an engagement slot, and a rotating shaft extendable and retractable with respect to the cover assembly, an end of the rotating shaft is provided with an engagement portion, and in a case that the rotating shaft extends out with respect to the cover assembly, the engagement portion is in engagement with the engagement slot to fix the cover assembly to the main body.

Abstract: A surface cleaning apparatus includes a base unit configured to be moved over a surface to be cleaned, an upper unit coupled with the base unit, and a handle coupled with the upper unit and moveable between a folded position and an upright position.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner bag assembly is adapted to be removably disposed within a tank of a vacuum cleaner, and the bag assembly includes a panel assembly made from a first material and forming an enclosure having an interior volume, and an aperture extends through the panel assembly. A shield member may be disposed within the interior volume and secured to one or more portions of the panel assembly, and the shield member may comprise a second material that is different than the first material. The first material may have a wicking barrier that inhibits wicking when the bag assembly becomes wet. The shield member is adapted to protect a portion of the panel assembly when the vacuum cleaner bag assembly is disposed within the tank and, together with the wicking barrier and a properly chosen first material, enhances performance of the vacuum bag assembly when wet.

Abstract: A suction nozzle for a hard-surface suction appliance includes a base body including a suction surface to which a suction channel is connected. A suction unit can be connected on a first side of the base body which is remote from the suction surface in order to form a suction flow. The base body further includes a bottom wall, a top wall, and first and second side walls. The base body is divided into suction chambers by at least first and second partition walls.

Abstract: The dust collector, that may be used in vacuum cleaner, includes: a primary cyclone unit separating dust from air introduced from outside the dust collector; and a secondary cyclone unit defining axial cyclone bodies separating fine dust from air introduced in an axial direction. The secondary cyclone unit includes casings having outer walls around hollow portions; and a fine dust separating member disposed on the casings to form the axial cyclones. The fine dust separating member includes vortex finders disposed in the casings; band portions enclosing an outer circumferential surface of the vortex finders at a position spaced from the vortex finders, and having a shape corresponding to the casings so as to form the axial cyclones together with the casings; and guide vanes disposed between the vortex finders and the band portions and extending in a spiral direction to induce a rotational flow of air.

Abstract: A dust separator/collector assembly for a vacuum cleaner, comprising a housing, a first cyclone having an inlet and outlet for suction airflow, and an outlet for separated dust, a plurality of second cyclones, having respective inlets arranged to receive air from the outlet of the first cyclone, and further having respective air outlets and outlets for separated further dust, wherein the first cyclone is disposed in a lower region of the housing and the second cyclones are disposed in an upper region of the housing and wherein the first cyclone comprises a generally cylindrical cyclone body having a tangential inlet duct for suction airflow at a lower part of the cyclone body, and an upwardly extending outlet for suction airflow leading to the inlets of the second cyclone.

Abstract: A cyclone dust collecting apparatus and a cleaner having the same include a grille unit including an introduction pipe communicating with the suction port and adapted to guide the air into the main cyclone chamber, and a grille body detachably provided to the introduction pipe and allowing the air to be discharged from the main cyclone chamber after dust particles in the air having a size greater than or equal to a certain size is filtered out. With this configuration, the spatial utilization of the cyclone structure may be facilitated, and visualization of the dust collection chamber may allow a user to gain satisfaction from cleaning operation.

Abstract: Provided is a vacuum cleaner. The vacuum cleaner includes a cleaner body including a suction motor for generating a suction force, a suction part communicating with the cleaner body to suction air and dusts, a battery disposed in the cleaner body or suction part to supply a power to the suction motor, and a cleaner connector disposed on the cleaner body or the suction part, a charger including a charger connector separably connected to the cleaner connector to charge the battery, and a disconnection member disposed on the cleaner body or the suction part to selectively connect or disconnect the cleaner connector to or from the battery.

Abstract: An electric shock guard for an appliance having a charging port includes a body for being received on the appliance, and a port cover flexibly joined to the body for covering the charging port of the appliance. The port cover is formed from a material operative for dissipating electrostatic energy.

Abstract: A method of assembling and/or disassembling a rotating electric machine of a wind turbine having a vertical structure; a main frame fitted to the top of the vertical structure; a blade assembly fitted to the main frame to rotate about a rotation axis; and a tubular rotating electric machine having a plurality of axial active segments; the method including inserting and/or extracting the active segments axially on the blade assembly side.

Abstract: A cleaning robot and a control method thereof may improve power consumption efficiency by using low-voltage power for a moving or inspecting operation and performing the moving or inspecting operation while operation of the cleaning unit is stopped when the operation of the cleaning unit is not needed. The cleaning robot includes a battery, a moving unit, a cleaning unit, a power converter which converts and outputs power supplied from the battery into a first voltage driving the moving unit and a second voltage driving the cleaning unit, and a controller which supplies power having the first voltage to the moving unit so as to drive the moving unit and supplies power having the second voltage to the cleaning unit so as to perform a cleaning operation. The controller continues driving the moving unit but stops driving the cleaning unit when the cleaning robot moves on an already cleaned area.

Abstract: A floor cleaning mop apparatus comprises an elongate handle terminating at its lower end in a base plate to which it is attached by a hinged connector. The base plate is releasably engagable in use with an associated double-faced waffle weave floor cleaning cloth. Hook elements on a bottom face of the base plate engage and grab onto a textured pile upper surface of the floor cleaning cloth. A number of spaced-apart engagement portions on the upper surface of the floor cleaning cloth are releasably engagable by the base plate for moving the floor cleaning cloth across a floor surface in use.

Abstract: A water-carrying household appliance includes a receiving unit for receiving at least one signal from an external device coupled to the household appliance, a number of actuators for executing a plurality of programs, and a selector unit for selecting a program from the plurality of programs as a function of the at least one signal received. The actuators are controlled by a control unit so as to execute the selected program.

Abstract: A dishwasher is provided that may include a tub configured to define a washing space in which a washing object is washed, the tub having an open side, a first accommodating rack configured to accommodate the washing object inside of the tub, the first accommodating rack being unloadable from the tub, and a door configured to selectively open and close the open side of the tub, the door supporting the first accommodating rack when the first accommodating rack is unloaded. The tub may include a first protrusion protruding from an inner sidewall of the tub toward the washing space so as to support the first accommodating rack and guide movement of the first accommodating rack, and a second protrusion provided above the first protrusion and protruding from the inner sidewall of the tub toward the washing space so as to prevent the first accommodating rack from being lifted upward when the first accommodating rack is unloaded.

Abstract: A dishwasher with a tub defining a treating chamber having an access opening. A closure selectively closes the access opening and a base supports the tub. The base can include a set of spaced panels and a set of spaced beams connecting the set of panels. The base can be formed by inserting the set of spaced beams within the set of spaced panels.

Abstract: A warewash machine includes a chamber for receiving wares, the chamber having at least one wash zone. A refrigerant circuit includes multiple condensers including a condenser to deliver refrigerant heat to incoming water that is being delivered into the machine. A primary flow path for incoming water passes through a waste heat recovery unit and a secondary flow path for incoming water bypasses the waste heat recovery unit. A valve is provided for selectively controlling whether refrigerant flows along the primary flow path or the secondary flow path based upon a subcooled condition of refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit.

Abstract: A dispensing assembly including at least one treating chemistry container configured to store a treating chemistry and selectively fluidly coupled to the treating chamber, a sensor configured to detect a characteristic of the dispensing assembly and output a first signal based thereon, an illumination detector outputting a second signal indicative of ambient illumination and an indicator outputting a human-detectable signal.

Abstract: A washing device comprises a drawer compartment and a top compartment. The drawer compartment is selectively movable out and in between, respectively, an open and a closed position. The drawer compartment receives a plurality of laboratory consumables held by a rack. The top compartment is positioned above the drawer compartment when the drawer compartment is in its closed position. The top compartment houses a manifold dispenser that is selectively movable up and down between, respectively a loading/unloading position and a washing position. The manifold dispenser comprises at least one liquid input and a plurality of liquid outputs that operably direct fluid to contact the plurality of laboratory consumables held by the rack when the manifold dispenser is in its washing position and the drawer compartment is in its closed position.

Abstract: A utensil rack for a dishwasher has a set of wave profiles. One subset of wave profiles has wave crests spaced from each other a first distance and a second set of wave profiles has wave crests spaced from each other a second distance less than the first distances. The utensil rack can be in the form of tray. A stemware section has one subset of wave profiles and a cutlery section has a second subset of wave profiles.

Abstract: A washing item receptacle for a flat washing item in a dishwasher, in particular in a domestic dishwasher, includes a base and a support element for supporting the flat washing item. The support element is configured for pivoting between a rest position arranged in a plane of the base and a support position which projects from the plane of the base, and for pivoting from the rest position into the support position by the weight of the flat washing item.

Abstract: A dish scrubbing brush includes an elongated handle and a brush head adapted to be releasably attached to the top of the handle. A hollow reservoir located within the handle contains liquid soap. An orifice at the top of the handle communicates with the brush head when it is attached and a pump accessible from the exterior of the handle forces soap from the reservoir to the brush head. The brush head includes a foam brush and an adapter for securing the brush head to the top of the handle. The adapter includes an internal thread that cooperates with a partial external thread on the handle top and includes a rib that cooperates with a slot in the handle top. As the adapter is rotated to be attached to the handle, the brush is drawn toward the handle but does not rotate relative thereto.

Abstract: In accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, device and method can be provided which can facilitate imaging of biological tissues, e.g., luminal organs in vivo, using optical techniques. The exemplary device can include different designs an features of one or more catheters, which can illuminate the tissues, and collect signals from the inside of the lumen. In another exemplary embodiment according to the present disclosure, a balloon-catheter can be provided with the flexible neck, which can absorb most of the bending. According to still another exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, a balloon-catheter tethered capsule can be provided, and according a yet further exemplary embodiment, a structured balloon design can be provided with one or more protuberances, thus enabling imaging of the structures in close contact, e.g., without compressing of the tissue.

Abstract: A direct visualization catheter includes an elongate shaft defining a lumen and having a distal end portion and a proximal end portion and a transparent balloon attached to the distal end portion of the shaft. The balloon includes a first layer comprising a thermoset polymer and a plurality of polymeric fibers at least partially embedded in the thermoset polymer and a second layer disposed on the first layer and comprising a hydrogel.

Abstract: An insertion instrument includes a rotating member rotatable around a rotation axis, and adjacent portions adjacently provided on both sides of the rotating member in the direction along the rotation axis. The insertion instrument includes a cover tube forming a part of an outer surface of an insertion section and provided in an elastic deformation state so as to apply elastic force toward an inner peripheral side of the insertion section. A position of the rotating member in the direction along the rotation axis is adjusted by the elastic force, whereby a state where both ends of the rotating member in the direction along the rotation axis are located apart from the adjacent portions is maintained.

Abstract: The present invention provide a pre-shaped port, at least partially introduced into a body cavity, comprising a body characterized by a distal end and a proximal end; said body comprising at least one throughgoing channel enabling introduction of at least one surgical tool; said distal end comprises at least one extension; wherein said extension is adapted to provide mechanical support to a distally located organ within said body cavity.

Abstract: An actuator for a surgical instrument. The actuator including: a sliding tube; and a rotor arranged in said sliding tube; wherein the sliding tube has at one end a receiving cavity for a rotor positioning key, the receiving cavity being configured such that after the rotor positioning key has been positioned in the receiving cavity, and after the rotor positioning key has been twisted in the receiving cavity, the rotor positioning key is releasably locked.

Abstract: An electronic endoscope of the invention includes: an insertion portion to be inserted into a subject; a distal end rigid portion including a distal end portion and a proximal end portion, the distal end rigid portion being made of resin and provided at a distal end portion of the insertion portion; a bending tube made of metal and provided continuously with the distal end rigid portion; objective optical systems provided at the distal end rigid portion; an image pickup unit that picks up images formed by the objective optical systems; an illumination lens barrel made of metal, the illumination lens barrel holding an illumination optical system provided at the distal end rigid portion and being extended in a direction of the proximal end portion; and a first conductive portion that establishes electrical conduction between the bending tube and the illumination lens barrel.

Abstract: Certain aspects relate to a superelastic medical instrument that of bending elastically through the tortuous pathways of an endoscope, returning to a straight shape upon deployment from the endoscope, and deploying straight along the axis of the end of the bronchoscope (within a tolerated margin) to distances of 2 cm or more.

Abstract: The present embodiments provide an endoscopic access system comprising a handle including a proximal handle segment and a distal handle segment. A sheath extends distally from the distal handle segment. A flexible cannula having proximal and distal ends and lumen extending therebetween is sized to be advanced through a lumen of the sheath. The handle has a coupled state in which the proximal handle segment is engaged to the distal handle segment, and where the flexible cannula is disposed through at least a portion of both the proximal and distal handle segments. The handle further has an uncoupled state in which the proximal handle segment is disengaged from the distal handle segment, and where the flexible cannula is disposed only through the distal handle segment.

Abstract: In a state in which a heat generator and a temperature sensor are disposed on a wiring board, a measurement wiring is disposed in a vicinity of the heat generator, or the temperature sensor is disposed in a vicinity of a heat-generation wiring. A suppressing portion is disposed in either a first heat transfer path extending from the heat generator to the measurement wiring or a second heat transfer path extending from the heat-generation wiring to the temperature sensor. The suppressing portion suppresses heat transfer from the heat generator to the measurement wiring in the first heat transfer path, or suppresses heat transfer from the heat-generation wiring to the temperature sensor in the second heat transfer path.

Abstract: A medical instrument includes a hermetically tight sheath, a heat source, a surface area thermally coupled to the heat source, a rotor arranged outside the hermetically tight sheath and serving to generate a flow of fluid at the surface, a magnet at the rotor, and means for generating a variable magnetic field in order to move the rotor. The means for generating a variable magnetic field is arranged inside the hermetically tight sheath.

Abstract: Disclosed is a dental exam tool for attaching to a mobile electronic device. The dental exam tool can include a coupling element that securely and removably couples to a body portion of the mobile electronic device and a dental mirror retention element coupled to the coupling element. Also disclosed is a dental exam system for teledentistry. The dental exam system can include a dental exam tool for attaching to a mobile electronic device and a mobile electronic device, having a camera, wherein the mobile electronic device is capable of capturing still images and/or video from the camera and storing and/or transmitting the images and/or video captured.

Abstract: A laryngoscope comprises a handle and an elongated blade detachably fixed to the handle. The blade includes a stationary portion having a longitudinal axis, a distal end of the stationary portion of the blade having a surface angled and upwardly and outwardly. A movable portion of the blade has a surface for engaging the tongue of the patient. The movable portion is mounted to the stationary portion of the blade for rotation about an axis substantially along the longitudinal axis of the blade. An operating member is manipulated by a user for rotating the movable portion of the blade. Laryngoscopy of a patient includes at least a rotating motion of the movable portion of the blade. In one embodiment, the laryngoscope comprises a tubular handle and an arcuate tubular blade integral with the handle.

Abstract: A video endoscope comprises a shaft comprising a rigid, proximal-side section and a distal section that is laterally deflectable in a plane from the central longitudinal axis of the shaft. A housing is arranged at the proximal end of the shaft. A control element for controlling the deflection of the shaft is provided at the housing. A rod-like pull element extends in the shaft in an off-center fashion with respect to the central longitudinal axis. The pull element is coupled with the control element and with a distal end of the deflectable section of the shaft, wherein a movement of the pull element by the control element in the proximal direction effects a lateral deflection of the deflectable section. A push tube is provided that is arranged to encase the exterior side of the pull element. The push tube extends from the proximal connection of the pull element with the control element through the first opening into the shaft.

Abstract: An ophthalmologic information processing apparatus for performing follow-up of a subject eye based on plural pieces of OCT data obtained at different dates includes: a processor; and memory storing computer readable instructions, when executed by the processor, causing the ophthalmologic information processing apparatus to execute: a first acquisition process of acquiring plural pieces of layer thickness information regarding a fundus, the plural pieces of layer thickness information being a processing result of the plural pieces of OCT data of the subject eye; a matching process of matching the pieces of layer thickness information based on the plural pieces of OCT data to each other in consideration of a difference in acquisition condition among the pieces of OCT data; and a display control process of displaying results of the matching of the pieces of layer thickness information on a monitor.

Abstract: An imaging device for imaging an eye includes an eyepiece, an illumination system, an imaging system, and a controller. The illumination system includes a light source that emits illumination light along an illumination path through the eyepiece to the eye to produce a retinal diffuse reflection and a corneal specular reflection. The imaging system includes a first camera that captures a retinal image based on the retinal diffuse reflection and a first set of optical elements, a second camera that captures a corneal specular reflection image based on the corneal specular reflection and a second set of optical elements. The first camera captures at least some residual corneal specular reflection in the retinal image. The controller subtracts the residual corneal specular reflection from the retinal image based on the corneal specular reflection image.

Abstract: A scanning optical probe and method includes a cannula, optical fiber, lens, and an actuating mechanism for tilting the optical fiber back and forth within the cannula. An actuator in the probe handle is coupled to various flexing and guide components extending through the cannula and towards the distal end of the scanning optical probe. Reciprocating motion from the actuator is transmitted to the components thereby causing the optical fiber at the distal end of the scanning optical probe to aim across target surfaces. The light emitted from the optical fiber is processed to generate a scan of the target area.

Abstract: En face or 3D volumetric OCT imaging during ophthalmic surgery may be performed with an OCT scanning controller that interfaces to an OCT scanner used with a surgical microscope. The OCT scanner may generate en face images before and after surgical operations, such as retinal membrane peeling, are performed. Using digital subtraction on the en face images, an overlay image indicative of the changes from the surgical operations to the eye may be generated and overlaid onto an optical image displayed to a user of the surgical microscope.

Abstract: An ophthalmic surgical apparatus includes an observation optical system, an illumination optical system, an interference optical system, and an image forming unit. The observation optical system is configured to observe an eye through an objective lens. The illumination optical system is configured to illuminate the eye through the objective lens. The interference optical system includes a reference optical path and a signal optical path which leads to the eye through the deflecting member located between the objective lens and the eye, and is configured to detect interference light based on light having passed through the signal optical path and returning from the eye and the reference light having passed through the reference optical path. The image forming unit forms an image of the eye based on a detection result obtained by the interference optical system.

Abstract: A method of compensating for distortion, in a plurality of retinal image frames, arising from eye movement receives at least one reference image frame and plural other image frames of the eye. For each frame, the method determines a plurality of shifts relative to the reference image frame, and an initial eye movement trajectory based on at least an initial reference frame distortion, and the shifts within each of said other image frames. The method estimates a current reference frame distortion using the initial trajectory and the shifts within each of the other image frames, and a current eye movement trajectory based on the estimated current reference frame distortion, and the shifts within each of said other image frames to provide a smooth transition between the other image frames in the eye movement. With this the method compensates for distortion in said frames using the current eye movement trajectory.

Abstract: [Problem] To allow imaging light to be appropriately received by a second camera in the case where a first imaging mode (color imaging mode) is changed to a second imaging mode (autofluorescence imaging mode). [Solution] In the first imaging mode, using a dichroic mirror 30 allows light LB to be received by both a first camera C1 and a second camera C2. In the second imaging mode, using a transparent glass 31 allows light LB to be received by the second camera C2. With this configuration, both in the first imaging mode and in the second imaging mode, light LB from an ocular fundus is appropriately received by the second camera C2 whereby an appropriate ocular fundus image can be taken.

Abstract: An indirect contact lens is mechanically coupled to a surgical microscope during ophthalmic surgery, such as vitreoretinal surgery. The indirect contact lens rests on a cornea of an eye of a patient during the surgery but is supported by a surgical microscope attachment having multiple degrees of freedom to accommodate small movements of the eye while remaining aligned to an optical axis of the surgical microscope.

Abstract: A fundus image capture system operates to determine if the system has captured an image that identifies the fundus, a region of interest in the image, or the current field of view. According to the determination, the system can guide the user to operate the system to capture a desired fundus image.

Abstract: An intraocular pressure sensor is presented that achieve very low power consumption. The intraocular pressure sensor takes the form of an implantable assembly configured to be implanted in an eye of a subject. Specifically, the implantable assembly is comprised of a capsular tension ring attached to a flexible printed circuit board. The flexible printed circuit board includes a cutout that is sized to encircle the pupil of the eye and is C shaped. One or more electrical components are also mounted onto the flexible printed circuit board. One such component is a voltage reference generator that is implemented by a circuit which provides inherently low process variation and low power consumption.

Abstract: The subject matter disclosed herein provides methods for presenting glucose level data. Glucose data for a patient may be received. A current glucose level and a rate of change of the current glucose level may be determined based on the received glucose data. A first interface may be displayed on a screen of a device. The first interface may include a unitary icon. The unitary icon may display the current glucose level and a visualization of the rate of change. Related apparatus, systems, techniques, and articles are also described.

Abstract: An apparatus for real time monitoring of a patient is provided and includes a memory element for storing data, a processor that executes instructions associated with the data, an interface that receives sensor data from a sensor that takes measurements from the patient and sends the sensor data according to the sensor's measurement latency, a latency calculator that frequently calculates a latency threshold that varies according to at least a health status of the patient, a timer that continuously monitors the sensor's measurement latency, a comparator that frequently compares the sensor's measurement latency with the calculated latency threshold, and a feedback module that automatically changes the sensor's measurement latency to match with the calculated latency threshold.