Abstract: This disclosure discloses various technologies, such as (1) a shower partition that includes a material which is switchable between a transparent state and an opaque state, (2) a shower partition including a microphone, and (3) a tent with a wall that deployably expands and undeployably retracts.

Abstract: A carrier body assembly for forming part or all of a shower floor includes a rigid carrier body having a bearing surface for sanitary surface material such as tile and a sealing membrane that overlies the top or bottom surface of the carrier body but is attached to only a portion of the top or bottom surface. The unattached portion of the membrane is folded away from the carrier body to enable trimming of the carrier body to fit without damaging the membrane. After installation of the carrier body the membrane overlies the adjacent shower structure to form a watertight, water-impermeable connection between the carrier body and the adjacent shower structure.

Abstract: The invention relates to a container-attaching system (1) for making available a container (2), especially provided with a cleaning or disinfecting product, said system comprising: a holder (4, 41) with a receiving region (5) for receiving the container (2), the holder (4, 41) comprising a first attaching region (51), a second attaching region (52) and a third attaching region (53), the first (51), second (52) and third (53) attaching regions comprising wires or rods or plate-type components, and an attaching means (7) for detachably attaching the holder (4, 41) to objects, wherein the attaching means (7) can be fixed to the first attaching region (51) so that it can assume a first holding position, to the second attaching region (52) so that it can assume a second holding position, and to the third attaching region (53) so that it can assume a third holding position.

Abstract: A shower head assembly includes a pipe section for attaching between a shower pipe and a shower head. The pipe section includes a mounting block disposed thereon. The mounting block has a recess formed therein. A hanger arm is configured to be inserted into the recess to be removably attached to the pipe section and held by the pipe section in a non-vertical orientation. The hanger arm supports hangers for hanging items such as clothes.

Abstract: A rolled product dispenser for dispensing a web of rolled product, comprising: a housing; and a dispensing assembly at least partially housed in the housing and interacting with the web of rolled product and including a dispensing roller having a rotation center and a peripheral wall with an upper section. The dispensing assembly can comprise an upper tensioning assembly and/or a lower tensioning assembly and/or a variable tension return assembly.

Abstract: An apparatus for stabilizing a roll of material includes a first and a second conical base. The first conical base has a first through-hole extending completely through the first conical base along a first central axis. The first conical base also has a first tapering section circumscribing and concentric with the first through-hole, the first tapering section configured to be inserted into a first opening of a central bore of the roll. The second conical base has a second through-hole extending completely through the second conical base along a second central axis. The second conical base has a second tapering section circumscribing and concentric with the second through-hole, the second tapering section configured to be inserted into a second opening opposite the first opening of the central bore of the roll. Engagement between the roll and the first and second conical base structures operably stabilizes rotation of the roll.

Abstract: Dr. Tinkle's Potty Pal is an electronic toilet paper dispenser for ages 2+. The invention is configured to freely stand within a home restroom and provide interactive learning to a child while seated on the toilet. Power is preferably provided by a lithium battery for long-term use. Once powered on, interactivity of the device is preferably triggered by motion sensor. The interactivity preferably includes flashing lights, sounds and music to entertain the user while learning. All mechanics/electronic components, as well as, the toilet paper roll is preferably housed within the locked top cabinet (or head) of the product. A height controllable stand is used to allow for preferred height placement, and a preferably round base is used for stability and secure placement.

Abstract: A dispensing cap for a dispensing system may be adapted for dispensing a roll of longitudinally extending material arranged in a center-pull configuration. The dispensing cap may include a dispensing orifice. A first rim having an inner edge may define a wide end of the dispensing orifice. A second rim having an outer edge may define a narrow end of the dispensing orifice. One or more sidewalls may extend between the inner edge of the first rim and the outer edge of the second rim and define the dispensing orifice between the wide end and the narrow end. The dispensing cap may further include a dispensing slot that defines an opening through the second rim.

Abstract: A cartridge is adapted to be inserted removably into a drain hole of a urinal, and includes a cartridge body, a guide plate member, a detecting module and a filter unit. The cartridge body has an internal space having an opening. The guide plate member is disposed in the opening, and is perforated to guide liquid which exits the urinal via the drain hole to flow therethrough into the internal space. The detecting module includes a drug-detecting chip for detecting presence of a specified drug, and a controlling chip for controlling operation of the drug-detecting chip according to measured displacement of the guide plate member.

Abstract: There is disclosed a toilet seat transparent elastic cover for preventing a user from a direct contact with a toilet seat. The cover includes mark lines to be aligned ensuring a proper placement of the cover. The cover may include an aperture with two lateral edges and a flap located in front of the aperture. The flap is formed by two lateral perforated lines connecting it to corresponding parts of the cover before the user starts using the cover. The perforated lines are extensions of the two lateral edges, such that when the user places the cover on the toilet seat, tears the perforated lines, and moves the flap forward at a desirable length and downward/upward, the aperture is effectively extended, providing an additional convenience to the user. An objective of the cover is to improve its adjustment to the user's body dimensions correspondingly to typical sizes of the seat.

Abstract: A urine deflecting toilet seat attachment includes a generally arcuate guard, removably attachable to a toilet seat. The guard has a top member defining a curvature complementary to a curvature along a generally central front portion of the toilet seat, and a generally arcuate projecting member projecting downwardly from the top member and defining a curvature complementary to a curvature along a generally central front portion of an inside surface of the upper rim of a toilet. When the guard is removably attached to the toilet seat, and the toilet seat is in a seated position, the projecting member projects downwardly to an elevation below the upper rim of the toilet, thereby covering the gap between the upper rim of the toilet and the toilet seat along a generally central front portion of the toilet.

Abstract: A flush toilet capable of correcting a defecation posture, in which a seat disposed on a toilet main body for a user to sit is inclined on the top thereof such that the front where the user's thighs are placed is higher than the rear where the user's hips are placed. Accordingly, smooth defecation is allowed by preventing bending between the intestine and the anus in the body by correcting the posture of a user into a squatting posture such that an angle between the upper body and the thighs of the user is maintained between 35˜50° as if the user were using a squat toilet. Therefore, defecation time is reduced and the user's legs are prevented from becoming numb, thereby improving satisfaction with defecation. Further, intestinal movement is activated during defecation, so smooth defecation is possible, and constipation, hemorrhoids, irritable bowel syndrome, cancers, and other colorectal diseases are prevented.

Abstract: A low profile upright surface cleaning apparatus comprises an air flow duct which has a length in a lateral direction that is transverse to the central longitudinal axis (front to back) of the surface cleaning head that is greater than a depth of the air flow duct in a direction of the central longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A switch assembly for a wet/dry vacuum cleaner is disclosed. The switch assembly includes a switch movable by a user between an ON position and an OFF position. An automatic shutoff assembly is operable in conjunction with the switch assembly to turn the switch to the OFF position in the event that a level of liquid within a tank of the wet/dry vacuum cleaner rises above a predetermined level. When triggered, the automatic shutoff assembly exerts a biasing force urging the switch toward the OFF position. A user can manually override the automatic shutoff assembly by providing a force sufficient to overcome the biasing force.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a vacuum cleaner having an improved structure capable of removing hair and foreign substances wound around a drum brush. The vacuum cleaner includes a cleaner main body, a suction brush connected to the cleaner main body and including a suction channel configured to clean a surface to be cleaned by suction force, and a drum brush case provided to be detachable in a forward direction from the suction brush and configured to form an intake port connected to the suction channel.

Abstract: A mopping extension attachable to a robotic vacuum. The mopping extension comprising, at minimum, a frame, a cloth, and a mechanism to secure the frame to the body of the robotic vacuum. The mopping extension may be installed in a dedicated compartment within the robotic vacuum body such that the cloth is dragged along the work surface as the robotic vacuum travels through the work area. In some embodiments, the mopping extension further comprises a means to automatically dampen the cloth to further improve cleaning efficiency. In some embodiments, the mopping extension further comprises means to move the mopping extension back and forth during operation to further improve cleaning efficiency. In some embodiments, the mopping extension further comprises a means to disengage and engage the mopping extension as the robotic vacuum is working.

Abstract: This document describes a mobile cleaning robot including a chassis having a forward portion and an aft portion; a blower affixed to the chassis; a bin supported by the chassis and configured to receive airflow from the blower, the chassis enabling evacuation of the bin through a bottom of the robot. The bin includes a top, a bottom, a sidewall, and an internal barrier. The bin includes a first volume and a second volume separated by the internal barrier and a filter unit supported by the internal barrier and removably disposed in an airflow path between the first volume that includes an intake port in the bin and the second volume that includes an exhaust port in the bin.

Abstract: A floor tool for a cleaning appliance, the floor tool comprising a cleaner head and a duct assembly. The cleaner head has a suction inlet through which dirt-laden fluid is drawn into the cleaner head and an outlet through which the fluid is discharged. The duct assembly carries the fluid from the outlet to a wand connectable to the duct assembly and comprises a front conduit and a rear conduit. The front conduit is connected to the cleaner head for rotation about a first axis. The rear conduit is connectable to the wand and is rotatable relative to the front conduit about a second axis perpendicular to the first axis. When the floor tool is resting on the floor and the rear conduit extends upwardly, the front and rear conduits arc around and over the second axis.

Abstract: A cleaner head for a vacuum cleaner including an agitator in the form of a brush bar, the brush bar including a plurality of radially extending bristles and a sealing material disposed between the bristles. The sealing material extends over substantially the entire circumferential and axial extent of the regions of the brush bar between the bristles. The cleaner head further includes a housing defining a chamber which at least partially surrounds the brush bar, a dirty air inlet in a lower part of the chamber and a front opening that exposes the brush bar at the front of the housing. The brush bar is supported for rotation with respect to the housing and arranged in the chamber such that the brush bar seals against the housing thereby restricting flow of air through the front opening.

Abstract: The invention discloses a system for vacuuming waste having a motor module and a waste module. The motor module has an open receiving area, motor, battery, vacuum tube receiving area and handle. Multiple bag hooks are spaced along the open receiving area. Disposable bags, having a drawstring within a channel, are placed within the waste module. The drawstring has a length greater than the bag perimeter to form multiple bag loops that extend through gaps in the channel. An insert maintains the bags in an open position. The bag loops are placed on the bag hooks so that when the motor module is opened, the drawstring pulls the bag closed.

Abstract: The present invention provides unique portable or stationary hose retraction systems in a single compact unit having a hose, a chamber or plenum for storing the hose, a vacuum source, and a unique valve mechanism attached to the chamber or plenum for holding the hose in place while it is being used, and releasing the hose to allow it to be extended by the user or retracted by the system using the vacuum source. An optional debris collection chamber with filter may be provided adjacent to the vacuum hose chamber, such that the vacuum source draws air through both the debris collection chamber and through the vacuum hose chamber.

Abstract: Ergonomic gripping mechanisms of handheld air movement apparatuses are provided. A handheld air movement apparatus may include a handle portion and a tool portion. The handle portion may include a grip, a trigger, and a handle pivot. The grip may have first and second ends. The trigger may be positioned toward the first end of the grip and the handle pivot may be positioned toward the second end of the grip. The tool portion may include a housing, a nozzle coupled to the housing, and a handle connection base. The tool portion may provide air movement into and/or out of the nozzle in response to a signal received from the trigger of the handle portion. The handle connection base of the tool portion may be pivotally coupled to the handle portion at the handle pivot to provide directional height adjustment of the tool portion with respect to the handle portion.

Abstract: A mobile surface cleaning robot that includes a robot body having a forward drive direction and a drive system supporting the robot body above a floor surface. The drive system includes right and left drive wheels and a caster wheel assembly disposed rearward of the drive wheels. The caster wheel assembly includes a caster wheel supported for vertical movement and a suspension spring biasing the caster wheel toward the floor surface. The robot also includes a cleaning system supported by the robot body forward of the drive wheels and having at least one cleaning element that engages the floor surface. The suspension spring has a spring constant sufficient to elevate a rear end of the robot body above the floor surface to maintain engagement of the at least one cleaning element with the floor surface.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cleaning implement comprising hybrid foam and to a method of cleaning a hard surface with said cleaning implement.

Abstract: A method of cleaning a washing machine and components and systems for enabling a user to clean the washing machine are provided. The method includes gaining access to debris that is trapped in otherwise inaccessible and/or concealed areas and/or directing debris out of inaccessible and/or concealed areas. The components include a jet channel that selectively couples to a discharge manifold in use and is removable to provide access to an interior area of the discharge manifold for cleaning. The systems include a removable mount assembly for accessories and a purging system for pumps and other concealed areas. The purging system is configured to discharge purging fluid through a plurality of purging ports and into concealed areas so as to direct debris in the concealed areas out of the concealed areas.

Abstract: A warewasher has at least one treatment system comprising a jet system (60, 61, 62, 63, 202) with at least one jet for spraying treatment liquid onto the items within at least one treatment zone (32, 33, 201), a fresh water system and a control device (10), wherein the fresh water system has at least one water feed (71), with at least one fresh water inlet (70) for the introduction of fresh water into the at least one treatment zone (32, 33, 201) as well as a controllable capacitive deionization unit (50), wherein the at least one cell (50a, 50b) is designed to be operated in a deionization mode and in at least one further operating mode, wherein the control device (10) is designed to change the operating mode of the at least one cell (50a, 50b) in accordance with at least one operating parameter of the warewasher.

Abstract: A spray arm system for cleaning articles in the wash chamber of a dishwasher appliance is provided. The spray arm system includes an elongated spray arm and an orbital spray arm positioned near opposite, bottom corners of the wash chamber. The elongated spray arm pivots about one corner within a horizontal plane and the orbital spray arm rotates about a central axis near the opposite corner. The elongated spray arm may be motor-driven, the orbital spray arm may be fluid-powered, and the spray arms may be operated independently or at the same time.

Abstract: A dishwasher has a treating chamber for receiving dishes for treatment according to an automatic cycle of operation and a dispensing system for storing and dispensing a treating chemistry to the treating chamber during the cycle of operation. The dishwasher may dispense a treating chemistry when a temperature of a liquid in the treating chamber satisfies a predetermined temperature threshold. The temperature of the liquid may be maintained to satisfy the predetermined temperature threshold for a predetermined period of time based on the treating chemistry.

Abstract: A dishwasher includes a tub with walls that at least partially define a treating chamber with an access opening, a door that selectively closes the access opening, a dish rack located within the tub, and a utensil caddy that comprises a wire frame and is mounted to the dish rack.

Abstract: A rack assembly for an automatic dishwasher having opposing side portions, at least two axles extending outwardly from each of the opposing side portions, and a roller wheel mounted to each axle. Each roller wheel roller wheel has a hub adapted to be fixedly attached to the axle, and a wheel rotatably mounted to the hub. A plurality of separators that define pockets is integrally molded with one of the hub or the wheel. Each pocket is adapted to contain one ball bearing such that no two adjacent ball bearings make contact.

Abstract: A device for the hands-free cleaning of dirt and debris from a bottom surface of footwear may include a platform base having a bottom surface designed to be positioned on a ground surface, and a base recess extending into a top side of the platform base; a bristle sheet designed to fit within the base recess, the bristle sheet having a plurality of bristles extending upward from a bristle sheet base; and a cavity in the interior of the platform base, the cavity sized to accommodate a volume of weighting material. The device may also include a port extending through a surface of the platform base to the cavity, such that the cavity is accessible from an exterior of the platform base. In such instances, the device may also include a plug to removably seal the port.

Abstract: A signal processing device 6 is connected to an endoscope 2 that examines a subject and outputs a signal in accordance with a result of the examination. The signal processing device 6 includes a plurality of internal modules 61 to 64 that process the signal output from the endoscope 2. The internal modules 61 to 64 are connected via an interface supporting a communication protocol and having a connector geometry, at least the communication protocol or both communication protocol and connector geometry conforming to a communication interface standard.

Abstract: A system and method of repositioning a region of interest within an endoscopic image from a first location to a target location on the display screen of an endoscopy system is provided. The endoscopy system includes an insertion portion having a tip section with at least one viewing element for capturing images of a body cavity having the region of interest. The method includes detecting a region of interest within a body cavity, displaying the region of interest on a display screen in communication with the endoscopy system, marking the region of interest on the display screen, selecting a target location on the display screen, estimating a transformation to be applied to the region of interest, and applying the estimated transformation for causing the region of interest to be displayed at the target location of the display screen.

Abstract: A handheld surgical endoscope has a disposable, single-use portion that includes a and a re-usable portion that includes a handle and display module. The distal tip includes LED illumination and an imaging module that feeds live video to the display module. The imaging module includes a lens system of no more than two lenses and provides the imaging module with a field of view greater than 120 degrees, preferably 130 degrees or more, and most preferably 140 degrees or more. LED illumination is provided by plural LED arranged symmetrically around an optical axis to provide a field of illumination that substantially coincides with the field of view of an imaging module. An image brightness balance arrangement selectively varies the illumination provided by different LEDs to reduce brightness differences between different areas of the displayed images.

Abstract: A bending device with which bending motions can be controlled with ease and good controllability includes a plurality of elastic tubes disposed inside an elastic tube. The elastic tubes each include an elastic tube body and a non-stretching body. The portion of the elastic tube body opposite the portion in which the non-stretching body is fixed inflates in a circumferential direction of the elastic tube body in response to increase in its internal pressure, causing the elastic tube to bend. The portion of the elastic tube body in which the non-stretching body is fixed is thicker than the remaining portion of the elastic tube body.

Abstract: An imaging device for imaging a portion of a patient's vasculature with an imaging element may include a proximal portion having a relatively higher stiffness that provides rigidity for pushing the imaging device through a patient's vasculature, and may include a distal portion having a relatively lower stiffness that enables threading through a curved vasculature of the patient. The imaging device also may include a transition region disposed between the proximal portion and the distal portion.

Abstract: In the case of an objective arrangement (1) having a deflection unit (4) which guides an imaging beam path (9) from a light entrance (2) to a light exit (3) via a first reflection surface (6) and a second reflection surface (7), it is provided to embody a region (8) of total internal reflection at least in the second reflection surface (7), with this region being configured for total internal reflection in the imaging beam path (9) and this region forming part of a transmission region (5) that is disposed upstream of the first reflection surface (6), through which imaging rays from the light entrance (2) are incident on the first reflection surface (6).

Abstract: The exemplary embodiments illustrated provide the discovery of systems, methods, and apparatuses of endoscope stabilization devices for use with, for example, slim scopes, so as to provide, for example, a flexible outer structure capable of bending and holding a fixed position so as to provide, for example, support to make cannulation with a slim scope and target anatomy easier and more efficient.

Abstract: A surgical device, an outer tube, an endoscope, and a treatment tool that have a simple configuration and excellent operability are provided. The outer tube includes a slider in an outer tube body. When the endoscope and the treatment tool are inserted into the outer tube, the endoscope and treatment tool are held by an endoscope holding part and a treatment tool holding part each being provided in the slider so as to be integrated. When the treatment tool is moved in the axial direction, the endoscope is moved in the axial direction in interlock with the movement. In the outer tube, the opening type hermetic valve part for the endoscope in a valve member has the inner diameter larger than the inner diameter of the elastic member for causing the endoscope holding part to hold the endoscope.

Abstract: Example embodiments of the present invention relate to an image processing apparatus. The apparatus may include a processor and memory storing instructions that when executed on the processor cause the processor to perform the operations of detecting a deep region of a duct in an image and extracting a plurality of contour edges of an inner wall of the duct in the image. The apparatus then may identify a plurality of convex regions among the plurality of contour edges, analyze a respective curvature of each of the plurality of convex regions to identify a convex direction for each of the plurality of convex regions, and detect, as an abnormal region, a convex region having a convex direction directed toward the deep region.

Abstract: There is provided herein an endoscope assembly, the assembly comprising at least one front-pointing camera and at least one front illuminator associated therewith, at least one side-pointing camera and at least one of side illuminator associated therewith, a first front working channel configured for insertion of a medical tool and a second front working channel configured for insertion of a medical tool.

Abstract: The invention is a method of automatically adjusting a retinal electrode array to the neural characteristics of an individual patient. By recording electrically evoked electroretinograms (eERG) to a predetermined input stimulus, one can alter that input stimulus to the needs of an individual patient. A minimum input stimulus is applied to a patient, followed by recording the eERG response to the input stimulus. By gradually increasing stimulus levels, one can determine the minimum input that creates a neural response, thereby identifying the threshold stimulation level. One can further determine a maximum level by increasing stimulus until a predetermined maximum neural response is obtained. However, eERG signals include a significant amount of noise. Applicants have developed novel techniques for artifact reduction and noise filtering to provide an accurate measure of neural activity.

Abstract: A pattern stimulus system is described that includes a hemispherical concave surface, a plurality of illumination sources, and a controller. The illumination sources are arranged on the hemispherical concave surface in a plurality of annular rows and a plurality of radial columns. The control is configured to operate the illumination sources to display a checkerboard pattern by illuminating a first subset of the illumination sources and dimming a second subset of the illumination sources. The control is further configured to invert the checkerboard pattern by dimming the first subset of the illumination sources and illuminating the second subset of the illumination sources. Methods are also described for using the pattern stimulus system to evaluate a condition of the eye and to diagnose diseases of the eye.

Abstract: A display device with a retaining device is disclosed, which can be placed on the head of a user. The display device contains a first image generator, which is secured or can be secured to the retaining device, and a first optical imaging system which is secured to the retaining device and which is designed to image an image generated on a first image plane (E) by the first image generator such that the user can perceive the image with a first eye (LA) when the retaining device is placed on the head of the user. The retaining device supports a first refraction determining optical system which is designed to determine the subjective refraction of the first eye (LA) when the retaining device is placed on the head of the user and/or the first optical imaging system is configured to be variable.

Abstract: An ophthalmoscope (10) comprising a light source (12), a first scanner (14), a first scan transfer element (16), a second scanner (18), and a second scan transfer element (20), which provide a two-dimensional scan of incident light from an apparent point source at a pupillary point of an eye (22) onto the fundus of the eye, and which descan a two-dimensional scan of return light from the fundus of the eye to provide return light from an apparent point source at the first scanner, wherein the first scan transfer element comprises a free-form element which has a shape defined to provide aberration correction of the return light from the fundus of the eye.

Abstract: Portable lensmeters and portable lensmeter modules are disclosed. In one embodiment, a portable lensmeter module comprises a housing having an aperture formed therethrough and having a first slot formed therein for receiving and reversibly coupling to a lens; a light source disposed within the housing; and a microlens array disposed within the housing. The lens and the microlens array define an optical channel from the light source to the aperture when the lens is coupled to the housing; and a light detector of a mobile device is positioned adjacent to the aperture and at a focal point of the microlens array when the lensmeter module is mechanically coupled to the mobile device.

Abstract: Systems and methods for detecting onset, presence, and progression of particular states, including hypoxia, include observing eye movements of a subject to and correlating the observed movements to known baseline or hypoxic conditions. A detection system may record eye movement data from a user, compare the eye movement data to a data model comprising threshold eye movement data samples, and from the comparison make a determination whether or not hypoxia, fatigue, or other detrimental conditions are present. The detection system may alert the user to take corrective action if onset or presence of a dangerous condition is detected. The eye movements detected include saccadic and intersaccadic parameters such as intersaccadic drift velocity. Measurements may be collected in situ while the subject is performing normal duties, processed to determine indicators of detrimental conditions, and reported to the subject within a few seconds.

Abstract: This specification describes technologies for mental state measurement using sensor data obtained from sensors attached to objects. One embodiment is a method that includes receiving sensor data from sensors attached to non-wearable objects. The first and second attachable sensors each include an output and a sensor. The method further includes determining mental state data from the sensor data; and causing to be displayed a representation of a mental state based on the mental state data. The method can further include: deriving an action metric from the mental state data; comparing the action metric to a threshold; automatically taking an action when the action metric exceeds the threshold; collecting post action sensor data; determining post action mental state data based at least in part on the post action sensor data; and forwarding the post action mental state data for display of a representation of a mental state.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a non-invasive health indicator monitoring system including a sensing module, an electric power storage module, and a circuit module to collect health indicator information by contacting with a subject. In addition, the present invention also relates to a method for monitoring health indicator continuously by using the health indicator monitoring system.

Abstract: Implementations of energy harvester systems may include: an accumulator having an air bladder separated from water by a membrane; one or more hydro turbines coupled with the accumulator; two or more check valves each coupled with one of the one or more hydro turbines; a system battery coupled to the power conditioner; and an electronic load coupled to the system batter through the power conditioner; wherein the two or more check valves are configured to be in contact with water.