Patents Issued in May 14, 2020
  • Publication number: 20200146496
    Abstract: The present invention is a portable fully automatic cooking system which can automatically prepare food items as per the user's demand ‘by using recipes files, data and cooking centric algorithm software stored in user interface device or by downloading the needed recipe from remote server. This machine unit of system can be controlled by any kind of computation device, laptop, tablet, computer, smart phone etc for cooking, recording, managing which satisfies hardware and software requirement standards of system which user can control and command through physical presence or from remote location. Machine unit stores various ingredients inside it and demands for chief ingredients and cooks recipes in accordance with recipe using custom developed artificial intelligence. The scalability and flexibility of machine design, structure, components and positioning makes automated cooking possible, efficient and most practical.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2020
    Publication date: May 14, 2020
  • Publication number: 20200146497
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a slow cooker capable of frying food. The slow cooker includes a main body assembly, a ceramic inner container, a glass lid assembly and an airfryer head assembly, where the ceramic inner container is located inside the main body assembly, the glass lid assembly and the main body assembly are fitted to each other, the airfryer head assembly is fitted with the main body assembly, the glass lid assembly is used when the food is slowly stewed, and the airfryer head assembly used when the food is fried. By using the slow cooker of the present invention, it not only can realize slow stewing of food, but also can incorporate the function of food frying, thus realizing multi-purpose use of one machine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2019
    Publication date: May 14, 2020
    Applicant: Ningbo Jinyu Electric Appliance Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Junda SHI, Zhongyu SHI, Shukuo LIU, Dong XIAO
  • Publication number: 20200146498
    Abstract: A cooking appliance according to an embodiment of the present invention may comprise: a case in which a cooking chamber is formed; a door for opening or closing the front opening of the case; a steam generating device mounted to the outer surface of the case; and a steam supply tube for connecting the steam generating device to the cooking chamber, wherein the steam generating device includes: a housing fixed to the case; a drawer which can be pushed into and pulled out of the housing and is filled with water for steam generation; and an induction unit installed at the bottom of the housing so as to heat water filled in the drawer by using electromagnetic induction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2018
    Publication date: May 14, 2020
    Inventors: Hakjoo LIM, Jaekyung YANG, Soochan LEE, Yongsoo LEE
  • Publication number: 20200146499
    Abstract: A system and method for storing, preserving and cooking meals using the sous-vide technique. The system and method of the present invention is designed to automatically cook, upon request a meal having various ingredients by immersing bagged food in temperature-controlled liquid. The cooking time may be manually or automatically programmed from downloaded cooking direction associated with the food. The cooking request may be given by a user from the physical apparatus or using a mobile device application.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2020
    Publication date: May 14, 2020
    Inventor: Marc Gagnon
  • Publication number: 20200146500
    Abstract: Described herein is a beverage system that is configured to produce beverages having different characteristics, such as different levels of carbonation including producing substantially non-carbonated beverages and carbonated beverages with a single machine. The beverage system includes a beverage appliance and a beverage container. The beverage container includes a beverage material, which can include a flavoring ingredient for a target beverage. The beverage appliance is used to access the beverage material from the beverage container and produce the target beverage. The beverage appliance and beverage container are adaptable to produce the target beverage having any of a range of carbonation levels or other characteristics.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2019
    Publication date: May 14, 2020
    Inventors: Enrico Cafaro, Nathaniel Davis, Linda Marie Donoghue, Thomas Fedorka, Catherine Fox, Patrick Lazatin, William Roger Mainwaring-Burton, Michael M. Martin, Bob McCall, Thomas J. Novak, Ian Scott Rice, Thomas Adam Sullivan, Bryan Ellis Wagenknecht, Barry Wood
  • Publication number: 20200146501
    Abstract: A beverage making machine having a cartridge holder with an upper portion movable in pivotal and/or linear ways relative to a lower portion. An actuator for the cartridge portion may include a handle-actuated spur gear and link to move the upper portion, which may be guided in movement via a cam and cam follower engagement. Information from a cartridge detector may be used based on movement of cartridge holder portions, e.g., as an upper portion moves from an open position to a closed position. A mixing chamber may be held by a drawer so as to be removable, and movement of the drawer may engage/disengage the mixing chamber from a fluid supply.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2020
    Publication date: May 14, 2020
    Inventors: William Philip McHugh, Jeremy B. Gordon, Scott Grubb, Steven Mackey, Thomas Fedorka, Peter Rae Peterson, Thomas J. Novak, Thomas Paul Dutremble, Gwynn Masada, Bradford Range, Enrico Raffaele Cafaro, Steven Raphaelson, Michael Sack, Brian B. Johnson
  • Publication number: 20200146502
    Abstract: Method for manually controlling an operating unit for steam discharged from a steam lance in a controlled manner using a manually displaceable operating element. The operating element is displaced in one direction from an engaged starting position, in which there is no steam discharge, into engaged positions for discharge of determined amounts of steam, or displaced in the opposite direction, in which the amount of steam varies with the displacement. The operating element has a fixed casing, an outlet head displaceably mounted on the casing, a steam lance fastened to the head, and a displaceable casing including the operating element. The casing is engaged in the starting position or in the positions or can be displaced in the opposite direction, in which the steam is almost continuously variable. Milk froth is produced optimally according to the desired discharge type, in accordance with the amount of milk located in a cup.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2016
    Publication date: May 14, 2020
    Applicant: STEINER AG WEGGIS
    Inventor: Adrian Steiner
  • Publication number: 20200146503
    Abstract: A milk supply device for supplying milk from a milk supply container to a milk dispensing device is provided. The milk supply device comprises a milk transport line which can be connected to the milk supply container and with which milk which has been taken from the milk supply container can be delivered to the milk dispensing device. The milk supply device further comprises a three-way junction, which can be operated such that optionally milk can be transported from the milk supply container to the milk dispensing device, whilst the milk transport line is sealed off by it, at the same time, relative to the cleaning agent transport line, in a fluid-impermeable manner, or cleaning agent can be conducted from the cleaning agent transport line in the direction towards the milk dispensing device and/or in the direction towards a discharge of the milk supply device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2018
    Publication date: May 14, 2020
    Applicant: WMF Group GmbH
    Inventors: Peter Arndt, Frank Göltenboth, Jochen Gussmann, Alexander Kiefer, Philipp Schirrmacher, Armin Startz
  • Publication number: 20200146504
    Abstract: A system for storing food products at predetermined temperatures includes a food product receiving holding cabinet, a first storage bin in the holding cabinet for receiving a tray, a temperature control device that is in thermal communication with the tray, and a controller that transfers a selected timer by touching a user interface of the holding cabinet, thereby designating the selected timer for transfer to be associated with the first storage bin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2018
    Publication date: May 14, 2020
    Inventor: Nicholas M. PATTERSON
  • Publication number: 20200146505
    Abstract: The apparatus is a portable three-in-one food griller, food smoker and fire pit in which the sidewalls can nest into a compact self-contained unit for easy transportation. In one variation, there are five rectangles with four walls that encompass a void that can be configured and stacked for use as a grill, a smoker or a fire pit. The bottom rectangle can contain an adjustable air inlet door and a grate for holding a fire source. The top rectangle can contain an adjustable air outlet door in the ceiling with a thermometer. The second, third and forth rectangles can contain various configurations of grates for grilling food, smoking food or use as a fire pit. After use, rectangles two through five can fit and nest into the first rectangle (the base) and be latched to the floor section forming a self-enclosed compact and transportable rectangle box with a carrying handle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2018
    Publication date: May 14, 2020
    Inventor: Paul David Bell
  • Publication number: 20200146506
    Abstract: A method for controlling a toaster having a first heating element adapted to heat food arranged in a first heating compartment includes executing a main heating program comprising a succession of activations of the first heating element separated by respective deactivations of the first heating element, wherein the activations of the heating element are carried out by providing power thereto and the deactivations of the heating element are carried out by disconnecting power therefrom.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 26, 2019
    Publication date: May 14, 2020
    Inventors: Stefano Palmeto, Marcello Riderelli Belli, Francesco Giardini
  • Publication number: 20200146507
    Abstract: A method for heating a food item includes receiving the food item within a heating compartment and positioning the food item within the heating compartment using a positioning assembly. The method further includes determining a thickness of the food item using a detection assembly in connection with the positioning assembly, generating a detection signal according to the thickness of the food item, and heating the food by controlling operation of a heating element within the heating compartment according to the detection signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2019
    Publication date: May 14, 2020
    Inventors: Stefano Palmeto, Marcello Riderelli Belli, Francesco Giardini, Fortunato Nocera
  • Publication number: 20200146508
    Abstract: A coffee grinding apparatus includes a removable holder assembly having first and second arms that are spaced-apart from one another to define an open receiving area therebetween. The arms each include upper and lower tabs that extend inwardly into the open receiving area first and second distances, respectively. The first and second distances of the upper and lower tabs are configured to retain and support portafilter assemblies of various sizes for filling with coffee grounds using the coffee grinder apparatus. Another holder assembly for use with the coffee grinding apparatus may include opposed abutment surfaces for engaging inner and outer surfaces of a cup portion of various sized portafilter assemblies. Each disclosed holder assembly is configured to attach to a pedestal portion of the coffee grinding apparatus in use, and can be stored in a support base of the coffee grinding apparatus when not in use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2019
    Publication date: May 14, 2020
    Applicant: WHIRLPOOL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Ryan Ebstein, Daniel F. Galea, Edward Haney, Feng Liu, John W. McConnell, Norma Richards, Ben C. Shao, Pravin Shewale, ZhaoYi Yin
  • Publication number: 20200146509
    Abstract: A container having a captive rotatable magnet to induce spinning of a separate unattached stirring implement placed in the container. The captive rotatable magnet may be part of an active mixer attached to the container. It may also be passively housed in a chamber in the bottom of the container to be spun under the influence of an external mixer to transmit by coupling the spinning to the separate spinning implement. The stirring implement is magnetically retained within the container during the pouring of a mixed substance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2019
    Publication date: May 14, 2020
    Applicant: Raison Investments Inc.
    Inventor: Charn Rai
  • Publication number: 20200146510
    Abstract: A device for cracking shells of nuts comprising a first jaw and a second jaw, the jaws spaced apart and arranged to move together to compress a nut N between them, the first jaw arranged to slide on an arm to amend the spacing of the jaws, the second jaw arranged to be driven along the arm towards the first jaw by a driving mechanism; and a lever; the lever arranged to operate the driving mechanism and drive the second jaw along the arm towards the first jaw; the first jaw held by a user when the lever is pulled, characterized in that the first jaw comprises an elongate first jaw member with an intermediate perforation for passage of the arm, whereas the second jaw comprises an L-shaped part with a pinion arm parallel the arm and moving through the mechanism, and an orthogonally arranged jaw arm parallel the first jaw member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2019
    Publication date: May 14, 2020
    Inventor: Philippe SIGAUD
  • Publication number: 20200146511
    Abstract: A bath kit configured to transition from a crate form to a bathroom form is provided. The bath kit includes a bathtub enclosure surrounded by a first sidewall sub-assembly, a second sidewall sub-assembly, a rear bracing sub-assembly, a drop ceiling sub-assembly, and a floor sub-assembly. The sub-assembly components form the three sides, a top, and a bottom of the bath kit in crate form. These components are also configured to form the walls, ceiling, and floor of the bathtub enclosure in the bathroom form. The method of assembling the bath kit and the method of transforming the bath kit from a crate form to a bathroom form are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2019
    Publication date: May 14, 2020
    Applicant: Katerra Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick Louis Meagher, Darrin Griechen, Robert Stanford
  • Publication number: 20200146512
    Abstract: A showerhead assembly is provided having a diverter, a primary showerhead and a wall mounted supplemental showerhead. The showerhead assembly's diverter includes a female threaded inlet for affixing to a male threaded pipe, a first outlet, a second outlet, and a valve assembly which selectively permits or obstructs the flow of water through the first and second outlets. The primary showerhead is connected to the diverter's first outlet by a ball and socket joint connector, and the supplemental showerhead is connected to the diverter's second outlet by a hollow flexible hose. The supplemental showerhead is affixed to a shower stall wall by a fastener, such as a male threaded fastener.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2020
    Publication date: May 14, 2020
    Applicant: ETL, LLC
    Inventor: TRAVIS HAWKINS
  • Publication number: 20200146513
    Abstract: A sit-down bathing configuration is disclosed. The sit-down bathing configuration is easy to transport users into, is safer and aligns well with the bathing device. The sit-down bathing configuration comprises: a seated shower device with an open area under its sitting surface, and a mobile bathing chair; wherein the seat of said mobile bathing chair can be fitted above the sitting surface of the seated shower device and the mobile bathing chair can be wheeled in and out of the shower device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2020
    Publication date: May 14, 2020
    Inventors: Ka Shek Neville LEE, Sing-Kwong Samuel HUI
  • Publication number: 20200146514
    Abstract: A fluid dispenser with a housing, a cover, a cover actuator member, and a biasing mechanism. The cover is movable relative to the housing between a first location and a second location, and the cover actuator member is movable relative to the housing between a first orientation and a second orientation. The cover actuator member engages with the cover to effect movement of the cover from the first location to the second location. The cover actuator member comprises an engagement member that travels in a travel path between a first position and a second position as the cover actuator member moves between the first orientation and the second orientation. The biasing mechanism engages with the engagement member and biases the engagement member towards the first position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 11, 2019
    Publication date: May 14, 2020
    Inventors: Padraig McDonagh, Heiner Ophardt
  • Publication number: 20200146515
    Abstract: A foam dispenser includes a dispensing a mixing chamber for receiving liquid from a liquid source and air from an air source, a conduit, and an agitator downstream of the mixing chamber in the conduit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2018
    Publication date: May 14, 2020
    Inventor: William Conway
  • Publication number: 20200146516
    Abstract: A foam dispenser includes an air pump for pumping and outputting air, a liquid pump for pumping and outputting liquid soap, a mixing chamber for receiving the liquid soap and the air, and a controller for inversely controlling the outputs of the liquid pump and the air pump. A method of controlling the quality of foam produced by a foam dispenser including a liquid soap pump and an air pump includes simultaneously inversely varying the output of each of the pump for adjusting the quality of the foam produced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2018
    Publication date: May 14, 2020
    Inventors: Dikran Babikian, Nikhil Jain
  • Publication number: 20200146517
    Abstract: A spindle assembly for supporting a web material roll in a web material dispenser, the web material roll having first and second extremities and defining a central cavity provided with a bushing toward the first extremity. The spindle assembly includes a bushing-engaging member having: a first dispenser mounting portion mountable to a first side of the dispenser, and a bushing-engaging portion sized and configured to fit at least partially in the bushing; and a spindle connection member having: a second dispenser mounting portion mountable to a second side of the dispenser, and a connecting portion removably mountable to the bushing-engaging member; thereby allowing use of the roll with the bushing in the dispenser. Also, a roll dispensing assembly and a method for inserting a roll of web material in a dispenser.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2019
    Publication date: May 14, 2020
    Inventors: Gabrielle Poirier, Manuel Léveillé, Benoît Orban
  • Publication number: 20200146518
    Abstract: An improved cap with a tension adjustment control for a number of different dispensers. It uses a rotor with a threaded portion on an inner bottom surface, and a spring base with multiple braking blades that come into frictional contact with a surface of a rotor upon rotation of the rotor and operation of the tension adjustment dial, where the contact of the braking blades reduces rotational speed and dispensing of the product.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2019
    Publication date: May 14, 2020
    Inventor: Peter Kamenstein
  • Publication number: 20200146519
    Abstract: An upright surface cleaning apparatus comprises a floor cleaning head and an upright section moveably mounted to the surface cleaning head. A portable cleaning unit is removably mounted to the support structure and comprises an auxiliary cleaning tool mount. The auxiliary cleaning tool mount is provided on one lateral side of a portion of the rigid air flow conduit that is positioned above the portable cleaning unit when the upright surface cleaning apparatus is in the upright cleaning mode and the upflow duct is in the upright storage position wherein the auxiliary tool mount remains spaced from the portable cleaning unit during all use of the upright surface cleaning apparatus in the upright cleaning mode and the auxiliary cleaning tool mount remains mounted to the rigid air flow conduit when the upright surface cleaning apparatus is in the portable cleaning mode. A cord wind member is provided on an opposed lateral side of the rigid air flow conduit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2020
    Publication date: May 14, 2020
    Inventor: Wayne Ernest Conrad
  • Publication number: 20200146520
    Abstract: A vacuum cleaner to suction dust generated by a machine tool, wherein the vacuum cleaner is actuatable by an electric device in the shape of the machine tool or an energy storage module for the electric power supply of the machine tool, which has a drive motor to drive a tool holder on which a tool provided to process a workpiece is arranged or is arrangeable, wherein the vacuum cleaner has a vacuum housing with a dirt collection chamber to receive dirt separated from a suction flow and a suction unit to generate the suction flow, wherein a suction inlet is present on the vacuum housing to connect a suction hose to establish a current connection for the suction flow with the machine tool, wherein the vacuum cleaner has an external communication apparatus for a wireless control connection to a wireless communication interface of the electric device and to receive at least one control command to control, the vacuum cleaner via the control connection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2018
    Publication date: May 14, 2020
    Inventor: Moritz Caspar
  • Publication number: 20200146521
    Abstract: A robot cleaner capable of extending the service life of a filter by including a cyclone unit is provided. The robot cleaner includes a main body including wheels configured to rotate about a rotation axis, a brush device provided in the main body to draw in air containing dust, a first chamber, through which the air drawn in through the brush device is introduced, configured to change a traveling direction of the introduced air, and a second chamber connected to the first chamber and including a dust separator separating dust contained in air, and arranged side by side with the first chamber in a direction in which the rotation axis extends.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2019
    Publication date: May 14, 2020
    Inventor: Byung Chan KIM
  • Publication number: 20200146522
    Abstract: A suction nozzle (100) for a hand-held milling machine (200), the suction nozzle (100) including a suction connection (30) designed for connection to a dust extraction system (300), and the hand-held milling machine (200) being equipped with a depth stop (210), with the aid of which a penetration depth (ET) of a milling tool (220) of the hand-held milling machine (200) may be limited, the suction nozzle (100) having a connection area (10), via which the suction nozzle (100) is detachably fastenable, in particular detachably fastenable without tools, to the depth stop (210).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2018
    Publication date: May 14, 2020
    Inventor: Tobias MOEGLICH
  • Publication number: 20200146523
    Abstract: An autonomous cleaner includes a side brush that is provided to a bottom face of a body and sweeps up dust on a floor surface and a napped cleaning fabric that is provided in a rotating region of the side brush and wipes off the dust attached to the side brush. The side brush includes a brush shaft disposed at a position that is a predetermined distance above the floor surface and a pair of bristle bundles having different lengths. A shorter bristle bundle in the pair has a length that is sufficient to bring at least a tip end portion of the shorter bristle bundle into contact with the napped cleaning fabric. In this way, the dust attached to the side brush is wiped off by the napped cleaning fabric, which prevents the dust from being swept outside the body due to a centrifugal force. In addition, by disposing the brush shaft at a predetermined distance from the floor surface, it is possible to suppress entanglement with a carpet and the like and avoid a collision with a step.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2018
    Publication date: May 14, 2020
    Inventors: Shinya FUJIEDA, Masaki KOGA
  • Publication number: 20200146524
    Abstract: A dry and wet vacuum cleaner, including a main body, including a main base disposed at a bottom portion of the main body, a dry debris collecting compartment disposed on the main base to store therein dry debris gathered from a surface, a liquid containing compartment disposed on the main base to store a liquid therein, and a water collecting compartment to store therein water collected from the surface, a dry vacuum connected to the dry debris collecting compartment to gather the dry debris from the surface, a wet vacuum connected to the water collecting compartment to gather the water from the surface, a plurality of nozzles connected to the main base to spray the liquid downward onto the surface, and a scrubbing cylinder disposed between the dry vacuum and the wet vacuum to scrub the surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2018
    Publication date: May 14, 2020
    Inventor: Austin Nedelcoff
  • Publication number: 20200146525
    Abstract: An example robot includes a body that is movable relative to a surface, a bumper mounted on the body to enable movement of the bumper relative to the body, a sensor to produce a signal in response to the movement of the bumper relative to the body caused by contact between the bumper and the surface, and a controller to control movement of the body to cause the body to track the surface based on a value. The bumper is movable between an uncompressed position relative to the body and a compressed position relative to the body. The signal varies linearly with the movement of the bumper relative to the body. The value is based on the signal and indicates that the bumper in a partially compressed position has a compression range between the uncompressed position and the compressed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2020
    Publication date: May 14, 2020
    Inventors: Brian Wolfe, Ping-Hong Lu
  • Publication number: 20200146526
    Abstract: Lustering plate (1) formed from a foam body (2), endowed with a securing surface (21) to be secured to the rotary plate of a lustering machine and having an active surface (22) wetted with the lustering liquid and coming into contact with the surface to be lustered. The lustering plate (1) incorporates a reservoir of lustering liquid (3) incorporated into the foam body (2). The reservoir (3) has a dispensing valve (4) in the axial position dispensing onto the active surface (22). The valve (4) has a valve seat (41) closed by a blocking device (43) returned to the closed position and endowed with a control device (44) opening the valve (4) by impelled pressing of the foam body (2) via its active surface (22) against the surface to be lustered.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2017
    Publication date: May 14, 2020
    Inventors: Libero MAZZONE, Michel BARBERIS, Antonio GRECO
  • Publication number: 20200146527
    Abstract: An electronic device including a rotatable member and an operating method in the electronic device are provided. The electronic device includes a housing, a rotatable member rotatably arranged outside a part of the housing, a display exposed through a part of a front surface of the housing, a memory arranged inside the housing, and at least one processor arranged inside the housing so as to be connected to the display and the memory electrically or functionally. The memory may store instructions that, when executed, cause the at least one processor to control the display to display a first group including at least one object corresponding to at least one basic function on a screen of the display, and control the display to display a second group including at least one object corresponding to at least one additional function related to a user or the electronic device, together with the first group, on the screen in response to occurrence of an event.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2019
    Publication date: May 14, 2020
    Inventors: Seolynn Park, Soojung Kim, Jongchae Moon, Goeun Lee, Jooyeon Cho, Minkyoung Yoon
  • Publication number: 20200146528
    Abstract: A utensil basket for removable mounting in a dishrack of a dishwasher having a liquid distribution system. The utensil basket having a housing with an open top and a porous bottom, multiple seats provided within the housing, a utensil separator, and a sprayer carried by the housing and configured to emit a spray of liquid toward the multiple seats.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2020
    Publication date: May 14, 2020
    Inventors: Jonathan D. Pugh, Ameresh B. Viswanathan, Michael Kahwaji
  • Publication number: 20200146529
    Abstract: A diagnosis support apparatus performs identification for a plurality of support items, which are identification classifications about diagnosis support, and the diagnosis support apparatus is provided with a processor. The processor performs analysis processing for acquiring analysis results including an analysis result about an observation mode by analyzing at least one of an input signal specifying the observation mode and an observation image obtained by observing an inside of a subject with an endoscope; performs support item setting processing for setting a support item corresponding to the analysis results obtained by the analysis processing, among the plurality of support items, which are the identification classifications; and generates diagnosis support information, which is information used for diagnosis of a legion candidate area included in the observation image, based on an identification index corresponding to the set support item and the observation image.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2020
    Publication date: May 14, 2020
    Applicant: OLYMPUS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Takashi KONO, Makoto KITAMURA, Hirokazu GODO, Toshiya KAMIYAMA, Katsuyoshi TANIGUCHI, Yamato KANDA
  • Publication number: 20200146530
    Abstract: Apparatus comprising a sleeve adapted to be slid over the exterior of an endoscope, the sleeve having a distal end and a proximal end; an aft balloon secured to the sleeve; a fore balloon movably mounted to the sleeve so that the fore balloon may be advanced relative to the sleeve; and a locking assembly for releasably securing the sleeve to the endoscope.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2019
    Publication date: May 14, 2020
    Inventors: Amos Cruz, Laurence Lefebvre, Jonathan O'Keefe, Peter Johann
  • Publication number: 20200146531
    Abstract: An endoscope in which an erecting operation mechanism is provided at an operation section and that can prevent an increase in size of a holding part of the operation section is provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2020
    Publication date: May 14, 2020
    Applicant: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventors: Takashi HARADA, Shozo IYAMA
  • Publication number: 20200146532
    Abstract: An imaging unit for a surgical instrument. The imaging unit including: an objective tube; and an optical element accommodated in the objective tube, wherein one or more of: the optical element is clamped gap-free in the objective tube; the optical element is accommodated in a mount in the optical tube and the mount is clamped gap-free in the objective tube; and the optical element is accommodated in a centered mount.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 3, 2020
    Publication date: May 14, 2020
    Applicant: OLYMPUS WINTER & IBE GMBH
    Inventor: Uwe SCHOELER
  • Publication number: 20200146533
    Abstract: An endoscope is provided in which an attachment/detachment operation of the proximal end of a wire is easily performed to/from an erecting operation mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2020
    Publication date: May 14, 2020
    Applicant: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventor: Takashi HARADA
  • Publication number: 20200146534
    Abstract: An endoscope in which an erecting operation of a treatment tool erecting base can be smoothly performed during an operation of the endoscope is provided. An endoscope according to the present invention has an operation section 22 provided with an erecting operation lever 20 and angle knobs 64; an insertion section 24 that is provided on a distal end side of the operation section 22 and that has a bending part 52 that is moved to be bent by an operation of the angle knobs 64; an erecting base 30 provided at a distal end part 26 of the insertion section 24; and a movable member 96 that is arranged to be exposed to outside of the operation section 22 and that moves in association with an operation of the erecting operation lever 20.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2020
    Publication date: May 14, 2020
    Applicant: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventor: Takashi HARADA
  • Publication number: 20200146535
    Abstract: An endoscope is provided in which an attachment/detachment operation of the proximal end of a wire is easily performed to/from an erecting operation mechanism and leakage of current to the outside can be prevented. An endoscope has an operation section 22 provided with an erecting lever, and a movable member 96 that moves in association with an operation of the erecting lever. The movable member 96 is arranged to be exposed to the outside of the operation section 22. A wire 60 is, at a distal end side thereof, coupled to an erecting base, and, at a proximal end side thereof, coupled to an attachment member 98 that is attachable to or detachable from the movable member 96 by a one-touch operation. The wire 60 includes a wire body 60A, and an insulating coat 60B coating a wire exposure region L.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2020
    Publication date: May 14, 2020
    Applicant: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventors: Takashi HARADA, Toshizumi TANAKA
  • Publication number: 20200146536
    Abstract: An endoscope is provided in which an attachment/detachment operation of the proximal end of a wire can be easily performed to/from an erecting operation mechanism and the wire can be prevented from meandering in a wire channel. An endoscope has an operation section 22 provided with an erecting operation lever, and a movable member 96 that moves in association with an operation of the erecting operation lever. The movable member 96 is arranged to be exposed to outside of the operation section 22. A wire 60 has a distal end side coupled to an erecting base, and a proximal end side coupled to an attachment member 98 that is attachable to and detachable from the movable member 96 by a one-touch operation. The wire 60 is configured of a wire body 60A and a gap filling member 60B.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2020
    Publication date: May 14, 2020
    Applicant: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventors: Takashi HARADA, Tomohiro OHKI, Shozo IYAMA
  • Publication number: 20200146537
    Abstract: An endoscope in which, even when a guide wire locking device is mounted, an endoscope in which an operation of a treatment tool erecting base is not limited and the treatment tool erecting base can be reliably moved is provided. An endoscope according to the present invention has an operation section 22 provided with an erecting operation lever 20; an insertion section 24 provided on a distal end side of the operation section 22; an erecting base 30 provided at a distal end part 26 of the insertion section 24; and a movable member 96 that is arranged to be exposed to outside of the operation section 22 and that moves in association with an operation of the erecting operation lever 20.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2020
    Publication date: May 14, 2020
    Applicant: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventor: Takashi HARADA
  • Publication number: 20200146538
    Abstract: The disclosed technology is directed to an insertion assist system for an endoscope. The insertion assist system comprises a tube configured to control movement of an insertion portion of the endoscope during an advancing direction and a restrictor being disposed inside the tube and configured to restrict a protruding direction of the insertion portion. The tube includes an opening configured to receive the insertion portion to protrude therefrom. A guide surface is configured to control the advancing direction of the insertion portion and to restrict the protruding direction of the insertion portion. The restrictor is disposed facing the guide surface and is configured to press the insertion portion against the guide surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2019
    Publication date: May 14, 2020
    Applicant: Olympus Corporation
    Inventor: Norimasa Arai
  • Publication number: 20200146539
    Abstract: An endoscope includes a prism disposed in a distal end portion of an insertion section and configured to change a direction of a field of view in an upward, downward, leftward, or rightward direction, an operation lever disposed in an operation section, being turnable from a neutral position around a third axis and a fourth axis that are perpendicular to each other, and including a second longitudinal axis, a cylindrical member disposed such that turning around a fourth axis of the lever is transmitted and configured to turn around the fourth axis by inclining the operation lever, a transmission wire configured to transmit turning around a first axis to the prism in response to an inclination operation around the third axis of the lever, and gears configured to transmit turning around a second axis to the prism in response to a turning operation around the fourth axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2020
    Publication date: May 14, 2020
    Applicant: OLYMPUS CORPORATION
    Inventor: Takayoshi HIRONO
  • Publication number: 20200146540
    Abstract: The present specification describes a control mechanism to control fluid flow through one or more fluid channels that supply fluid to the distal tip of an endoscope. A pump is provided with an endoscope to control the flow of fluid from an external source to a combination of fluid channels within the endoscope, which supply fluid to front and side jets of a multi-jet endoscope assembly. The pump is preferably dual-direction pump that enables control of fluid to either the front jet or to the front and side jets of the endoscope.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2020
    Publication date: May 14, 2020
    Inventors: Amram AIZENFELD, Golan Salman, Hadar Schwarcz
  • Publication number: 20200146541
    Abstract: The present invention provides a gastrointestinal sampling capsule includes an enclosure, a sampling port on the enclosure and a sampling module connected to the enclosure. The sampling port includes a plurality of sampling holes, and the sampling module includes a sample chamber and a sampling trigger unit which controls a connection or disconnection between the sampling port and the sample chamber to turn on sampling or turn off sampling. The gastrointestinal sampling capsule further includes a connecting passage arranged between the sample chamber and the sampling port, wherein an inlet of the connecting passage corresponds to the sampling port and an outlet of the connecting passage is connected to the sample chamber. A gap is provided between the plurality of sampling holes and the inlet of the connecting passage, through which the plurality of sampling holes are connected to the connecting passage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2019
    Publication date: May 14, 2020
    Applicant: ANKON TECHNOLOGIES CO., LTD
    Inventors: Tianyi Yangdai, Yuhui Bao
  • Publication number: 20200146542
    Abstract: Embodiments of a hybrid imaging sensor that optimizes a pixel array area on a substrate using a stacking scheme for placement of related circuitry with minimal vertical interconnects between stacked substrates and associated features are disclosed. Embodiments of maximized pixel array size/die size (area optimization) are disclosed, and an optimized imaging sensor providing improved image quality, improved functionality, and improved form factors for specific applications common to the industry of digital imaging are also disclosed. Embodiments of the above may include systems, methods and processes for staggering ADC or column circuit bumps in a column or sub-column hybrid image sensor using vertical interconnects are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2020
    Publication date: May 14, 2020
    Applicant: DePuy Synthes Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Laurent Blanquart
  • Publication number: 20200146543
    Abstract: An otoscope may project a temporal sequence of phase-shifted fringe patterns onto an eardrum, while a camera in the otoscope captures images. A computer may calculate a global component of these images. Based on this global component, the computer may output an image of the middle ear and eardrum. This image may show middle ear structures, such as the stapes and incus. Thus, the otoscope may “see through” the eardrum to visualize the middle ear. The otoscope may project another temporal sequence of phase-shifted fringe patterns onto the eardrum, while the camera captures additional images. The computer may subtract a fraction of the global component from each of these additional images. Based on the resulting direct-component images, the computer may calculate a 3D map of the eardrum.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2019
    Publication date: May 14, 2020
    Inventors: Anshuman Das, Ramesh Raskar
  • Publication number: 20200146544
    Abstract: A tongue anteriorizer includes a handle and a tongue lifting part having a curved portion. The tongue lifting part is configured to move the tongue anteriorly, open the laryngopharyngeal area, and make endotracheal intubation simple, safe and efficient. The tongue lifting part has a wider section and may have protrusions on part of the tongue lifting part surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2020
    Publication date: May 14, 2020
    Inventor: Tzu-Li HSU
  • Publication number: 20200146545
    Abstract: An optical apparatus is comprising an optical imaging arrangement generating either an image of the original object field or the field of the original sample at the pupil plane which consist of both amplitude and phase information. The apparatus is further comprising a digital adaptive optics arrangement with a wave front sensor and a computing unit, which is adapted to generate at least one orthogonally translated digital copy of the original sample object field at the spatial Fourier or pupil plane and to analytically calculate a wave front error based on the phase difference between the original sample wave front and its digital copy or copies.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2018
    Publication date: May 14, 2020
    Applicant: Wavesense Engineering GmbH
    Inventor: Abhishek Kumar