Abstract: A multi-use flat pack product includes two side panels each with a pair of upper slots and two end panels each with a pair of lower slots. The two side panels are respectively engageable with the two end panels without tools or additional connectors via engagements between the upper slots and the lower slots to define a four-sided construction. A base plate is positionable inside the four-sided construction.

Abstract: A shutoff device includes a guiding unit, a bread carriage connected movably to the guiding unit, a lever unit, and a switch. The bread carriage includes a first carriage body. The lever unit has a contact segment that has a lower portion disposed between first and second portions of the first carriage body, and an upper portion disposed above the lower portion and the first portion of the first carriage body. The lever unit is upwardly movable relative to the bread carriage, with the lower portion being moved toward the first portion of the first carriage body and the upper portion being moved away from the first portion of the first carriage body, thereby converting a contact portion of the switch from a contact position to a shutoff position.

Abstract: A system for pumping cooking oil from a filtration device or cooking oil reservoir to a storage tank or back into the cooking oil reservoir. The system can also be used to pump oil from the storage tank to a disposal location. The system can include a pump used to pump oil from one location to another. The system can include a housing for containing the pump and/or the storage tank. The system can include a fresh oil storage tank.

Abstract: A blender comprises a housing and a shield. The housing has a first portion enclosing a motor and a second portion for selectively receiving a blender jar assembly. The second portion defines an opening through which the blender jar assembly is selectively received. The shield is selectively coupled to the second portion via a substantially vertical pivot point that enables the shield to be selectively pivoted between a closed position closing off the opening in the second portion and an open position enabling the blender jar assembly to be inserted into or removed from the second portion. The pivot point comprises an overcenter cam that urges the shield toward the closed position when the shield is positioned between the closed position and a maximum displacement point of the overcenter cam and that urges the shield toward the open position when the shield is positioned between the open position and the maximum displacement point.

Abstract: An apparatus for accommodating a beverage includes an outer vessel defining a vessel cavity for receiving a cooling agent, a container having a lid and a beverage receptacle and a port. The lid is configured for engagement with the outer vessel to releasably mount the container to the outer vessel. The beverage receptacle defines a receptacle chamber for accommodating a liquid beverage for consumption by a user. The receptacle chamber is isolated from the vessel cavity. The beverage receptacle comprises a thermal conductive material and is at least partially disposed within the vessel cavity of the outer vessel when the container is mounted to the outer vessel whereby thermal energy is transferred from the cooling agent to the liquid beverage. The port defines a port opening in fluid communication with the receptacle chamber to permit distribution of the liquid beverage to the user. The outer vessel and mounted container may be positioned within a freezing apparatus to freeze the cooling agent, e.g.

Abstract: A portable cutting board has a reversible panel mounted with clearance in an opening of a frame for turning movement about a pivot axis between first and second cutting positions. Opposite panel surfaces of the panel are coplanar with opposite sides of the board in each cutting position. The panel is movable to a plurality of tilted positions between the first and second cutting positions. The opposite panel surfaces are tilted in each tilted position.

Abstract: The disclosed pack and go bathtub liner forms a barrier between a user and the surfaces of a bathtub, is reusable, washable and covers all surfaces of a bathtub. The pack and go bathtub liner is fabricated from a non-toxic, anti-microbial, waterproof material that defines a watertight volume within a separate from a bathtub. The liner is packable into an easily transportable package. The pack and go bathtub liner provides a barrier to contaminants that may exist within a bathtub and prevents contact with a person or children within the bathtub to provide peace of mind to parents wary of the cleanliness of unfamiliar bathtubs.

Abstract: A dispenser assembly for dispensing a liquid product includes a bottle configured to store the product, a venting pump connected to the bottle and configured to control dispensing of the product from the bottle, a mounting component, and an enclosure connected to the mounting component and engaging the bottle, wherein the enclosure is movable relative to the mounting component between an open configuration and a closed configuration, and wherein the bottle is selectively removable from the enclosure when the enclosure is in the open configuration.

Abstract: The foot-scrubbing receptacle for a shower is adapted for use with the foot of a bather. The foot-scrubbing receptacle for a shower is configured for use with a shower. The foot-scrubbing receptacle for a shower is a cleaning device. The foot-scrubbing receptacle for a shower cleanses a foot of a bather while simultaneously allowing the bather to stand erect. The foot-scrubbing receptacle for a shower comprises a shell and a cabinet. The cabinet inserts into the shell in a removable manner. To cleanse the foot, the forefoot is inserted into an open end of the foot-scrubbing receptacle for a shower where the foot is rubbed against the cleansing surface. A pedal operated soap dispenser is installed in the foot-scrubbing receptacle for a shower such that the soap may be dispensed on the foot for cleansing purposes.

Abstract: A rolled product dispenser for dispensing a web of rolled product is described. The rolled product dispenser comprises a dispensing assembly, a return mechanism, and a blocking mechanism. The dispensing assembly includes a rotating drum assembly having a peripheral wall configured to be contoured at least partially by the web of rolled product. The rotating drum assembly is rotatable in a dispensing rotation direction and a counter dispensing rotation direction along at least 90 degrees. The return mechanism biases the rotating drum towards a stationary configuration by rotating same in the counter dispensing rotation direction. The blocking mechanism is engageable with the rotating drum assembly to prevent rotation thereof in the counter dispensing rotation direction beyond at least one predetermined angular position.

Abstract: A paper product dispenser that includes a toilet paper spindle adapted to hold and dispense a toilet paper roll, at least one motor connected to the toilet paper spindle, a controller connected to the motor, and a thermopile sensor in communication with the controller, the thermopile sensor comprising a plurality of thermocouples that form a junction A and a junction B, wherein when the thermocouples sense thermal radiation, thermal gradient between junction A and junction B is created, the thermal gradient generating an electrical signal that the thermopile sensor sends to the controller.

Abstract: An apparatus for storing hand towels, the apparatus comprising a receiving portion for receiving hand towels, a first retaining member comprising a first retaining portion, the first retaining portion defining a first retaining surface for retaining the hand towels within the receiving portion, a second retaining member comprising a second retaining portion, the second retaining portion defining a second retaining surface for retaining the hand towels within the receiving portion, wherein the first and second retaining members define an opening for providing access to the hand towels and wherein an angle between the first and second retaining surfaces is less than 180 degrees.

Abstract: It is described an incineration toilet especially suitable for caravans and camping cars. The toilet comprises a toilet chair with a pouch bowl (3). In the pouch bowl (3), a waste pouch can be arranged. Below the pouch bowl, there is a hatch mechanism over a combustion chamber (4). The hatch mechanism comprises a spring-loaded flap (21) in the back part of the pouch bowl, as well as a hatch (11) abutting an opening in the upper part of the combustion chamber (4). The hatch (11) is coupled to a motor (13) via a stay transmission (14, 15). The motor is arranged to lift the hatch (11) and revolve it up behind the flap (21), so that the flap is released and the pouch can fall down into the combustion chamber (4).

Abstract: A hand carriable surface cleaning apparatus, such as a cyclonic hand vacuum cleaner, is provided wherein a conduit is in communication with the cyclone air outlet. The conduit extends through the porous pre-motor filter media and is in communication with the upstream side of the porous pre-motor filter media.

Abstract: A suction unit comprising a suction apparatus, a dirt collection container, a filter device, wherein the dirt collection container is connected in terms of flow via the filter device to the suction apparatus, and a cleaning device for the filter device, which cleaning device comprises an external-air valve device, and at least one guide duct for air, which at least one guide duct has a first port which is connected in terms of fluid action to the cleaning device for the provision of external air from the at least one guide duct, a second port for the coupling of exhaust air of the suction apparatus into the at least one guide duct, and a third port which is connected in terms of fluid action to the surroundings of the suction unit, wherein air from the surroundings is configured to flow into the at least one guide duct via the third port.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner nozzle having a housing with a downward facing opening, a brush roll rotatably mounted to the housing at the downward facing opening, and a brush roll cleaner mounted to the housing. The brush roll cleaner includes a longitudinal bar extending along a longitudinal axis of the brush and pivotally connected to the housing at a pivot axis, an edge connected the longitudinal bar at a spaced location from the pivot axis and extending along to the longitudinal axis of the brush, and an arm extending from the longitudinal bar. The arm is configured to transmit a force to rotate the brush roll cleaner from a first position in which the edge does not contact the brush roll, to a second position in which the edge contacts the brush roll to remove debris from the brush roll as the brush roll rotates.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are a cyclone dust collector configured to easily remove dust, hairs, etc. which stick to an outer circumferential surface of a grill portion while the grill portion is being separated and a vacuum cleaner including the cyclone dust collector. The vacuum cleaner includes a cyclone dust collector. The cyclone dust collector includes a case in which dust in sucked air is separated and accommodated, a grill assembly separably mounted on the case, and a cleaning portion configured to clean a surface of the grill assembly.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a vacuum cleaner for separating and collecting dust and other contaminants by using a multi-cyclone and a mesh filter, including a cleaning unit for sweeping dust and foreign materials attached to the mesh filter along an outer circumferential surface of the mesh filter, and a rotation unit coupled to the cleaning unit for rotating the cleaning unit relative to the mesh filter, whereby the cleaning unit can clean a surface of the filter automatically or manually during an operation of the cleaner, so that the filter surface can be kept clean, and a load on a fan unit caused due to foreign materials or dust can be reduced.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for training and operating of robotic appliances. Robotic appliance may be operable to clean user premises. The user may train the appliance to perform cleaning operations in constrained areas. The appliance may be configured to clean other area of the premises automatically. The appliance may perform premises exploration and/or determine map of the premises. The appliance may be provided priority information associated with areas of the premises. The appliance may perform cleaning operations in order of the priority. Robotic vacuum cleaner appliance may be configured for safe cable operation wherein the controller may determine one or more potential obstructions (e.g., a cable) along operating trajectory. Upon approaching the cable, the controller may temporarily disable brushing mechanism in order to prevent cable damage.

Abstract: A steam cleaner is provided, including: a base (2) provided with an air inlet (4); a casing (1) disposed on the base (2) and having an air outlet (11) in a side wall thereof, in which a vortex air duct is defined between a bottom wall (16) of the casing and the base (2), and the air inlet (4) is in fluid communication with the vortex air duct; a fan (7) disposed within the casing (1), and including an electric motor (71) and a heat dissipation fan wheel (72) connected to a lower end of an electric motor shaft of the electric motor, in which the vortex air duct is configured to guide air entering from the air inlet (4) to the heat dissipation fan wheel so as to dissipate heat of the electric motor.

Abstract: An autonomous floor-traversing robot includes: a wheeled body including a chassis and at least one motorized wheel configured to propel the chassis across a floor, the chassis defining an interior compartment disposed beneath a chassis ceiling; a cover extending across at least a central area of the chassis ceiling; and a graspable handle connected to the chassis and located outside the cover so as to be accessible from above the robot, the handle arranged to enable lifting of the robot. The chassis ceiling defines drainage channels configured to conduct the liquid away from the central area of the chassis ceiling.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a surface cleaning squeegee assembly and more specifically to a squeegee assembly mounted on a scrubber-dryer floor cleaning machine. The squeegee assembly includes a front squeegee having a number of spaced channels along a lower edge covered by seal flaps, and a rear squeegee having no channels. The front and rear squeegees define a vacuum chamber between them. Air, dirty water and surfactant are vacuumed into the vacuum chamber through the front squeegee channels for ultimate disposal. When the scrubber-dryer surface cleaning machine traverses over an uneven surface, the seal flaps close the channels to limit or eliminate any vacuum loss to the vacuum chamber.

Abstract: A self-propelled electronic device comprising: a housing; drive wheels that enable the housing to travel; a travel control unit that controls travel of the housing; and a periphery detection sensor that detects a region around the housing where the device is unable to travel, wherein the drive wheels include a left drive wheel and a right drive wheel which are independently driven, and the travel control unit: causes the left drive wheel and the right drive wheel to move backward in such a manner that an amount of rotation of the left drive wheel is smaller than an amount of rotation of the right drive wheel, when the periphery detection sensor detects that there is a region where the device is unable to travel at front left of the housing; and causes the left drive wheel and the right drive wheel to move backward in such a manner that an amount of rotation of the right drive wheel is smaller than an amount of rotation of the left drive wheel when the periphery detection sensor detects that there is a region

Abstract: A surface cleaning apparatus comprises a supply tank and a distributor for delivering fluid to a surface to be cleaned. A constant flow of fluid can be delivered from the supply tank to the distributor via a regulator tank in fluid communication with the supply tank for exchanging liquid and air with the supply tank.

Abstract: A surface cleaning apparatus includes a heated vapor generator for generating steam and a supply tank for containing a supply of fluid. A liquid conduit that is in fluid communication with the supply tank is in heat exchange relationship with a vapor conduit that is in fluid communication with the heated vapor generator.

Abstract: Fibrous structures containing one or more particles, and methods for making same are provided.

Abstract: A spray arm assembly for a dishwasher, and the dishwasher are provided. The spray arm assembly includes: a spray arm base (10); a first bevel gear (20); a spray arm provided with a central water-inlet pipe (301); and a water baffling member (40). The first bevel gear (20) is connected onto the spray arm base (10) in a sleeving way. The central water-inlet pipe (301) penetrates through the first bevel gear (20). Spray apertures (302) are formed in the spray arm. A first end of the water baffling member (40) is disposed at one end of the spray arm, and a second end of the water baffling member (40) is provided with a second bevel gear (401). The water baffling member (40) is opposite to at least one of the spray apertures (302).

Abstract: A dishwasher may include a tub configured to accommodate one or more items to be washed, a spray arm rotatably mounted to the tub, and configured to spray water onto the one or more items to be washed, a sump disposed at a bottom surface of the tub and configured to store water and to supply stored water to the spray arm, a fixed gear unit fixed to the tub with gear teeth arranged along an outer circumferential surface of the fixed gear unit, a rotary gear unit rotatably mounted on the spray arm and configured to engage the gear teeth of the fixed gear unit, and a link member connected to the rotary gear unit and the spray arm, where the spray arm may include, a main arm with a pair of arms, and a pair of auxiliary arms rotatably connected to the main arm.

Abstract: A dishwasher with a tub at least partially defining a washing chamber, a liquid spraying system, a liquid recirculation system defining a recirculation flow path, and a liquid filtering system. The liquid filtering system includes a rotating filter disposed in the recirculation flow path to filter the liquid and a flow diverter wherein liquid passing through a gap between the flow diverter and the rotating filter applies a greater shear force on the surface than liquid in an absence of the flow diverter.

Abstract: A dishwasher with a tub defining a treating chamber, a chassis supporting the tub, and a set of leveling assemblies mounted to the chassis. A leveling assembly can include a leveling foot having a threaded shaft and a nut having a threaded interior and a flexible or moveable portion configured to receive a portion of the threaded shaft.

Abstract: A warewash machine for washing wares includes a chamber for receiving wares, the chamber having at least one wash zone with an associated spray system for spraying liquid onto wares passing therethrough, wherein a downstream drying zone includes a blower for blowing air onto wares passing therethrough. The blower includes an ambient intake operatively connected to an ambient air flow path, a machine intake operatively connected to an internal machine air flow path and an exhaust intake operatively connected to a machine exhaust air flow path.

Abstract: A dishwasher includes a receptacle for items to be washed and a lifting device which is configured to lift the receptacle for items to be washed from a starting position into an end position or to lower it from the end position into the starting position. The lifting device has an electrical drive device which is arranged on a dishwasher cavity or on a base support of the dishwasher.

Abstract: An adhesive roller assembly is provided having a non-cylindrical roller. The non-cylindrical roller is rotatably affixed to a handle's distal end. In addition, adhesive tape is helically wrapped about the roller, and the adhesive tape includes perforations so as to facilitate the breaking of the adhesive tape into individual segments. Because the roller has a non-cylindrical circumferential surface, the adhesive tape is deformed to have a non-cylindrical exterior. The roller, and consequentially exterior of the adhesive tape, can take various forms. In preferred embodiments, the roller and tape exterior have a concave, convex, undulating, dimpled or bumpy surface. The adhesive tape is made of material providing increased elongation.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises an instrument including an elongated shaft. The apparatus also comprises a first shape sensor including an elongated optical fiber extending within the elongated shaft at a first radial distance from the neutral axis. The apparatus also comprises a twist resistant feature configured to reduce twisting of the elongated optical fiber relative to the elongated shaft while permitting axial translation of the elongated optical fiber within the elongated shaft.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide an endoscopic surgery device and an outer tube, capable of easily obtaining an image desired by an operator to facilitate treatment as well as of performing minimally invasive surgery. In the endoscopic surgery device and the outer tube, an endoscope and a treatment tool are inserted into a body cavity through an outer tube. The outer tube is provided with a built-in slider. The slider is provided so as to be axially movable in the outer tube body. The endoscope and the treatment tool, inserted into the outer tube, are held by the slider. Moving the treatment tool allows endoscope to be moved in conjunction with the movement of the treatment tool.

Abstract: There is provided a camera head for endoscope which enables to achieve a favorable fluorescent image in any wavelength band when the observation is switched over from a normal white-light image observation to an observation of fluorescent images of different wavelength bands.

Abstract: Systems and methods of cannulating a body orifice such as a bladder are disclosed. An indwelling bladder catheter having reduced trauma risk can include a proximal end, a distal end, and a flexible elongate tubular body therebetween, the distal end having at least one distal port in fluid communication with a lumen extending within the tubular body, the distal end further having a distal tip comprising a blunt shape; a first proximal port for at least one of fluid inflow or outflow, the first proximal port in fluid communication with the lumen extending within the tubular body; an inflatable balloon near the distal end of the catheter, the balloon transformable from an unexpanded to an expanded configuration, wherein the balloon in its expanded configuration comprises a low profile oblong shape suitable for anchoring within a human bladder; and a second proximal port balloon inflation, in fluid connection with the balloon.

Abstract: A vaginal speculum apparatus includes a portable illumination assembly that is releasably attached to one of the upper blade and lower blade of a disposable vaginal speculum. The portable illumination assembly is defined by a housing that retains at least one LED and a portable power supply. The portable illumination assembly can be energized by an externally accessible member after the illuminator has been attached to the speculum.

Abstract: Methods for improving gaze tracking are presented. These methods eliminate the need for a separate initial calibration step to determine whether the subject is properly centrally fixated during testing. In one embodiment, whether the subject is centrally fixated is determined by identifying inlier and outlier gaze descriptors; the inliers are assumed to be associated with central fixation. This reduces the total time required for testing. These methods also improve the accuracy of gaze tracking during testing without the need for individual subject calibration. Instead, a database of reference eyes is used. The subject's eye can be compared to the reference eyes, and the mapping function for one or more reference matches can be used to estimate the subject's gaze direction. In another embodiment, previous calibration data from the same subject can be used to determine whether the subject is properly centrally fixated and/or the direction of the subject's gaze.

Abstract: A method for determining reflectivity of a tear film lipid layer of a patient and recommending a course of treatment based on the same. The method includes the steps of: measuring a tear film aqueous plus lipid layer relative reflectance spectrum using a wavelength-dependent optical interferometer; converting the measured tear film aqueous plus lipid layer relative reflectance spectrum to a calculated absolute reflectance spectrum; comparing the calculated absolute reflectance spectrum to a theoretical absolute lipid reflectance spectrum to determine a tear film lipid layer thickness; and determining a reflectivity value for the tear film lipid layer thickness at a first wavelength of light corresponding to ultraviolet, violet, or blue light.

Abstract: A fundus imaging system includes: an image sensor array, where the image sensor array includes monochrome photodiodes and global shutter control, an illumination unit with one or more light-emitting diodes that have one or more dies, a computing system including a processor and memory, one or more lenses, one or more reflective mirrors, and a display. In an example method of use, a clinician positions a patient, initiates a focal adjustment, initiates a retinal imaging process, and the same or a different clinician views the image. In some embodiments, the imaging system is configured to analyze the image and identify detected physical attributes in the image relating to the diagnosis and treatment of diabetic retinopathy.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a medical imaging device attachment with onboard sensor array and computational processing unit, which can be adapted to and reversibly attached to multiple models of binocular indirect ophthalmoscopes (“BIOs”), enabling simultaneous or time-delayed viewing and collaborative review of photographs or videos from an eye examination. The invention also claims a method for photographing and integrating information associated with the images, videos, or other data generated from the eye examination.

Abstract: Systems and methods of use involving sensors having a signal-to-noise ratio that is substantially unaffected by non-constant noise are provided for continuous analyte measurement in a host. In some embodiments, a continuous analyte measurement system is configured to be wholly, transcutaneously, intravascularly or extracorporeally implanted.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to techniques for receiving glucose data from a continuous glucose sensor and controlling the use and redistribution of that data so it is used in an intended manner. In one aspect, a system includes a plurality of continuous glucose monitor (CGM) devices; a plurality of display devices to receive data from the CGM devices classified into a plurality of classifications based on data type; a cloud server architecture to receive the data from the display devices on an intermittent basis, in which the data routed to a particular server of the plurality of servers is determined by the data type, and in which the intermittent basis varies depending upon data type; a plurality of remote monitor display devices; and an analysis and report engine.

Abstract: The disclosed wearable device modulates a patient's gastric emptying time and/or gastric retention time. The wearable device includes a microprocessor, electrical stimulator and at least one electrode configured to deliver electrical stimulation to the epidermis, through a range of 0.1 mm to 10 mm or a range of 0.1 mm to 20 mm of the dermis, of a T2 dermatome to a T12 dermatome or meridian of the patient, a C5 to a T1 dermatome across the hand and/or arm, and/or the upper chest regions. The device is adapted to provide electrical stimulation as per stimulation protocols and to communicate wirelessly with a companion control device configured to monitor and record appetite patterns of the patient. The control device is also configured to monitor, record, and modify stimulation parameters of the stimulation protocols.

Abstract: An implantable device having a communication system, a sensor, and a monolithic substrate is described. The monolithic substrate has an integrated sensor circuit configured to process input from the sensor into a form conveyable by the communication system.

Abstract: A fluorescence imaging device detects fluorescence in parts of the visible and invisible spectrum, and projects the fluorescence image directly on the human body, as well as on a monitor, with improved sensitivity, video frame rate and depth of focus, and enhanced capabilities of detecting distribution and properties of multiple fluorophores. Direct projection of three-dimensional visible representations of florescence on three-dimensional body areas advantageously permits view of it during surgical procedures, including during cancer removal, reconstructive surgery and wound care, etc. A NIR laser and a human visible laser (HVL) are aligned coaxially and scanned over the operating field of view. When the NIR laser passes over the area where the florescent dye is present, it energizes the dye which emits at a shifted NIR frequency detected by a photo diode. The HVL is turned on when emission is detected, providing visual indication of those positions.

Abstract: A fluorescence imaging device detects fluorescence in parts of the visible and invisible spectrum, and projects the fluorescence image directly on the human body, as well as on a monitor, with improved sensitivity, video frame rate and depth of focus, and enhanced capabilities of detecting distribution and properties of multiple fluorophores. Direct projection of three-dimensional visible representations of florescence on three-dimensional body areas advantageously permits view of it during surgical procedures, including during cancer removal, reconstructive surgery and wound care, etc. A NIR laser and a human visible laser (HVL) are aligned coaxially and scanned over the operating field of view. When the NIR laser passes over the area where the florescent dye is present, it energizes the dye which emits at a shifted NIR frequency detected by a photo diode. The HVL is turned on when emission is detected, providing visual indication of those positions.

Abstract: An oral care evaluation system may include: a light source configured to emit a spectrum of light which induces fluorescence in an organic compound, the light source illuminating soft oral tissue within an oral cavity; an image sensor receiving light generated by fluorescence of the organic compound on the soft oral tissue, the image sensor generating image data for an image of the oral tissue, the image comprising a plurality of pixels; and an image processor receiving the image data from the image sensor and programmed to evaluate oral hygiene of the soft oral tissue by assessing an attribute of each pixel in the image.

Abstract: An imaging interface for diffuse optical tomography of breast includes a plurality of concentric rings. Each concentric ring can include a plurality of optical input/output apertures arranged on a radially inner surface thereof. The rings can have different inner and outer diameters from each other and can be arranged in a stacked configuration. The rings can translate independently of each other along a central axis of the stack. During imaging the breast is inserted into an inner region of the stacked rings. The rings can be translated such that the optical input/output apertures are brought into touch contact (i.e., non-compressing contact) with the surface of the breast, so as to accommodate different size breasts. The rings may be translated such that the spacing between adjacent rings is increased for large breasts and reduced for smaller breasts. Rings may be removed or additional rings added to further accommodate additional breast sizes.