Abstract: A heating element for a cooking appliance includes terminals that act as electrically conductive contact points. One or more buses are arranged between the terminals, and connect one or more heating element segments in a zig-zag configuration. The heating element segments are connected in series and are arranged parallel with one another. Each heating element segment includes a plurality of cutouts linked together and having an elliptical shape. The terminals, heating element segments, and buses are a continuous single sheet of conductive material. A method of making the heating element includes forming a pattern into the sheet of conductive material by etching the pattern into the conductive sheet using photolithography.

Abstract: A food imprinting system including at least one imprint block, and a mounting plate having at least one opening dimensioned for receiving at least a forward portion including a printing face of the imprint block, wherein the imprint block and the mounting plate are mounted within an imprinting assembly.

Abstract: The present invention provides a deep fat fryer separating the flue from the splash back panel and with a flue opening directed not upwardly, but rearwardly from the flue. By arranging the flue opening on the rear wall, the opening is protected from grease fallback (e.g., dripping from an overhead exhaust hood) or other foreign objects falling into the opening. The splash back panel further provides a seamless curved design that is easy to clean and also insulated from the heat of the flue. A baffle installed within the flue allows the combustion products to mix, cool, and slow upon exiting the baffle opening and entering the atmosphere reducing the exit temperature and also reducing the heating of the splash back panel.

Abstract: A smart blender of the present invention pulverizes or blends food contained therein by a rotating blade. When the blender is slanted by an external force and the external force is then removed, the blender blends food contained therein while repeatedly shaking side to side.

Abstract: A rotary molding system for use in a patty forming machine and configured to mold food products and a fill plate for use within the rotary molding system are provided. A replaceable wear plate is provided which seats between a reciprocating stripper plate and a fill plate. Each plate has holes through which food product passes. A drum having mold cavities receives the food product from the fill plate.

Abstract: Various embodiments relate to a manual centrifuge food processing device. An example device includes a bowl and a spindle extending from an inner surface of the bowl. A mesh basket is removably coupled to the bowl and is structured to receive a food product. The mesh basket defines a hub structured to receive the spindle so as to facilitate rotation of the mesh basket relative to the bowl about the spindle. A lid is removably coupled to the bowl. The lid includes a drive mechanism structured to rotate the mesh basket in response to a manual input so as to drive liquid from the food product due to centrifugal force. Each of the bowl and the mesh basket is formed of metal.

Abstract: According to one example, a system includes a hollow container and a ladle. The hollow container has a first opening at a proximal end, a second opening at an opposing distal end, and a sidewall that extends from the proximal end to the distal end. The first opening is wider than the second opening. The ladle comprises a handle having a proximal end and a distal end, and further comprises a cup coupled to the distal end of the handle. The cup has an inner surface configured to hold a food item. The cup further has an outer surface configured to substantially seal the second opening of the hollow container from within the hollow container.

Abstract: A device for handling seeds and grains, suitable for use in food processing and/or preparation, is disclosed. This device features a semi-spherical bowl with perforations, a wiper that is activated by engaging the handle, and measuring lines on the semi-spherical bowl.

Abstract: The invention describes a system for fastening a handle to a kitchen container that comprises a plate-like fastening element, configured for being irremovably constrained both to a wall of the kitchen container, and to the handle. The plate-like fastening element is configured to be housed and restrained in a corresponding blind hole obtained at an end of the handle. The plate-like fastening element comprises at least one inclined hooking wing, integral with the plate and projecting below one of its surfaces. Each inclined hooking wing is configured for inserting, through elastic deformation while switching from the disassembled configuration to the assembled configuration of the fastening system, into at least one corresponding concave portion obtained on an inner surface of the blind hole towards which each inclined hooking wing projects in the assembled configuration of the fastening system.

Abstract: A walk in bath includes a shell, a door, and a seal member. The shell defines a bathing area and includes a wall with an opening therein. The door is moveable relative to the wall between a closed position, in which the door engages the opening, and an open position allowing ingress into and egress from the bathing area through the opening. The seal member is located between the wall and the door in the closed position to seal a gap therebetween to prohibit water from leaking from the bathing area through the gap. The seal member includes a first end, a second end, and an intermediate hollow section extending between the first and second ends. Each of the first and second ends is closed to prevent water from entering into the seal member.

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

Abstract: A separation unit for separating a web material along preformed lines of weakness. The separation unit has a width direction and includes at least a first roller having a rotational axis extending in the width direction and a web width extending in the width direction, and at least a second roller having a rotational axis extending parallel with the rotational axis of the first roller and a web width extending in the width direction. The second roller is positioned at a distance from the first roller. Each of the first and the second rollers is provided with at least one protrusion element extending perpendicularly from the axes. Each of the protrusion elements has a maximum width in the width direction, a maximum radial extension from the rotational axes, an inner portion adjacent to the rotational axes, and an outer portion remote from the rotational axes.

Abstract: A hand vacuum cleaner has an air flow path extending from a dirty air inlet to a clean air outlet. A handle has a hand grip portion. The handle upwardly and forwardly when the upper end of the hand vacuum cleaner is positioned above the lower end of the hand vacuum cleaner. A cyclone chamber, a pre-motor filter and a suction motor are positioned in the air flow path. The cyclone axis of rotation and the suction motor axis of rotation each extend in a forward/rearward direction. The handle is positioned at the rear end of the hand vacuum cleaner and the suction motor is located at an upper end of the handle. The suction motor axis of rotation is vertically displaced from the cyclone axis of rotation when the upper end of the hand vacuum cleaner is positioned above the lower end of the hand vacuum cleaner.

Abstract: A system for compacting debris collected within a robotic vacuum debris container to allow more space for incoming debris. The volume of collected debris is reduced by pressure plates pressing the debris against surfaces so that the debris container may hold a greater mass of debris. The system allows robotic vacuums to operate for longer periods of time before requiring maintenance by a user to empty the debris container.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a surface cleaning apparatus comprising a regenerative filter having at least one filter, the at least one filter comprising a plurality of layers of filter material, the filter having a first filtering configuration where the plurality of layers are held together such that air to be cleaned can pass through the plurality of layers of filter media during use of the surface treating apparatus, and a second regeneration configuration wherein at least a portion of one of the plurality of layers of filter material is spaced from the remainder of the layers of filter material for regeneration, and a filter regenerator for regenerating the filter material.

Abstract: A system for cleaning a floor by means of at least one cleaning robot, which cleaning robot comprises control means for controlling the cleaning robot and communication means for sensing at least one event having increased soiling emergence of at least part of the floor, wherein the control means set the intensity of the use of the cleaning robot for cleaning at least part of the floor in accordance with the intensity of at least one event having increased soiling emergence. The system solves the technical problem of making a system and a method for cleaning a floor by means of a cleaning robot more flexible and enabling improved cleaning results. The system further relates to a method for cleaning a floor.

Abstract: A bag-based filtering device for collecting debris from a cleaning robot via a debris evacuation station includes a filter bag configured to separate at least the portion of the evacuated debris from a flow of air generated by the evacuation station. The filtering device includes a conduit extending inward from an opening of the filter bag into the receptacle. The conduit is configured to pneumatically connect a receptacle of the filtering device with an inlet of the filtering device to direct the flow of air generated by the evacuation station through the filter bag to separate at least the portion of the evacuated debris from the flow of air.

Abstract: A support device of the cleaner includes a charging stand body provided with a charging port for charging the cleaner and a plurality of fixing parts disposed to be spaced apart from each other on the charging stand body and each having a fixing groove in which a fixing protrusion provided on the cleaner is accommodated.

Abstract: A cleaner includes: a suction unit; a main body that is connected with the suction unit and separates dust from air sucked through the suction unit; and a handle unit that is connected to the main body, wherein the main body includes: a first body and a second body; a sealing member for sealing a boundary between the first body and the second body; and a support body that supports the sealing member and has an opening that communicates with the suction unit.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a safety arrangement for a floor surfacing machine (1) comprising at least one drive wheel (3, 4), a motor arrangement (5, 6) for propelling said drive wheel (3, 4), a surfacing apparatus (13) and a control unit (10, 11a) for controlling the operation of said motor arrangement (5, 6) and said surfacing apparatus (13). The arrangement comprises at least one detecting unit (55; 56, 57) connected to said control unit (10,11a) and adapted for determining a torque required for operating each drive wheel (3, 4) wherein said control unit (10,11a) is configured for preventing operation of said surfacing apparatus (13) if said required torque is lower than a predetermined limit value. The invention also relates to a method for obtaining safety in a floor surfacing machine (1).

Abstract: A cleaning device has a main part and a handle with which an operator can displace the cleaning device on a surface being cleaned, two counter-rotatable rollers being received in the main part such that the rollers come into contact with the floor being cleaned, the rollers being arranged in the main part such that they are only separated by a shared air gap and/or longitudinal gap.

Abstract: A water extraction device includes a flexible plastic rod, an absorbent blade, and an elongated handle. The device removes water/liquid from automobile compartments such as mirrors after an automobile wash. The device further prevents streaking on the body of automobiles after an automobile starts moving post wash.

Abstract: A mop, including an elongated handle having a socket assembly affixed to a first end thereof; a plurality of grasping members extending from the socket assembly; a stationary plate removably attachable to the elongated handle; a ball assembly extending from a top portion of the stationary plate, the ball assembly being configured to engage the grasping members to achieve the removable attachment to the elongated handle; a trigger mechanism positioned along the top portion of the stationary plate, the trigger mechanism being axially movable relative to the ball assembly; a push plate movably coupled to the stationary plate, the push plate being configured to move from a first position proximate the stationary plate to a second position axially away from the stationary plate in response to activation of the trigger mechanism; and a substrate removably coupled to the push plate, wherein the substrate is configured to decouple from the push plate once the push plate is moved to the second position in response to

Abstract: A hair collecting device is provided. The hair collecting device has a spherical body having a pair of handles extending from opposing sides thereof. The spherical body has a hair-collecting mechanism, such as an arcuate fin, extending outward from an exterior surface of the spherical body. The arcuate fin has a plurality of cutouts disposed along a length thereof that trap hairs within the cutouts. The hair collecting device also has a housing with a hingedly attached access lid defining a housing interior volume. The housing also has a notch disposed on a side of the housing. The housing interior volume is sized to receive the spherical body and the notch receives a handle of the spherical body therethrough. The housing retains the spherical body and allows the spherical body to spin about an axis defined by the pair of handles.

Abstract: A dust mop frame that includes an elongate body member having a first elongate face and an opposed second elongate face. The elongate body member includes a central body region and at least one projection. The at least one projection has a first region that is connected to the planar central body region, a central region extending angularly outward from the first region at an orientation parallel to the longitudinal axis and an outer terminal edge. The outer terminal edge of the projection is oriented upward relative to the second elongate face of the central body region when the dust mop frame is in the use position. The dust mop also includes at least one handle attachment member connected to the first elongate face; and at least one mop head bundle attachment mechanism connected to the second elongate face.

Abstract: A cleaning tool incorporating a resilient mop head having an attachment assembly extending away from the mop head for operative connection to an elongated handle structure. An adjustable force applicator is disposed in substantially coaxial relation to the elongated handle structure between the handle structure and the attachment assembly. Adjustment of the force applicator by a user permits the application of variable compressive force against the attachment assembly thereby controlling the degree of permitted mop head movement.

Abstract: Disclosed is a control method of a dishwasher (100) including a tub (2) for receiving objects to be washed, a plurality of spray arms (711, 713, 715) for spraying wash water to the objects, and a steam nozzle (42) for spraying steam to the objects, the control method including a main washing cycle of washing the objects, a rinsing cycle of rinsing the washed objects using wash water, and a drying cycle of drying the objects after the rinsing is completed, wherein the drying cycle includes spraying steam, received from a steam source, to the objects to increase a temperature of the objects (a steam spraying step) and resupplying water to the steam source in order to prevent the steam source from being heated after the steam spraying step (a cooling step).

Abstract: A lifting device for a dish receptacle of a dishwasher, in particular a household dishwasher, includes a drive facility configured to assist a manual raising or lowering of the dish receptacle between a start position and an end position by applying a supporting force. A control facility activates the drive facility as a function of a manual actuation force when the dish receptacle is raised or lowered manually and a sensor facility is provided to detect the manual actuation force. A transmission facility transmits the manual actuation force from a handle of the dish receptacle to the sensor facility.

Abstract: A compact handheld cleaning device 10 comprises a cleaning element 12; a motor 16 to drive the cleaning element 12; and a housing 14 to house the motor 16; wherein the device is pressure activated.

Abstract: A medical apparatus includes a control device, a motion sensor, via which a motion value is determinable, a position sensor, via which an angular position in space is detectable, and a time measuring device, via which a time interval is determinable. The control device is embodied in such a way that a switch-off signal is producible if, during the entire time interval, the motion value remains below a threshold and, at the same time, the position sensor detects an inclination angle relative to a repository plane that lies in a defined repository angle range.

Abstract: A starter circuit for an electronic device includes a rectifier circuit having an input coupled to an antenna; a Schmidt trigger coupled to the rectifier circuit; a pulse timer circuit coupled to receive pulses from the Schmidt trigger and configured to measure pulse characteristics to determine whether the pulses are part of a valid startup sequence and to generate a reset signal if the pulses are not part of a valid startup sequence; and a counter having first and second inputs coupled to outputs of the pulse timer circuit, the counter configured to output a signal to initiate power-on of a component of the electronic device a when its count value reaches a predetermined value.

Abstract: An endoscope operation support system includes: an image display unit which, transmits external scenery and allows the user to visually recognize the external scenery, and also displays a virtual image as superimposed on the external scenery and allows the user to visually recognize the virtual image; a control unit which controls the image display unit; an endoscope unit having an image pickup unit at a distal end part inserted in an image pickup target part of an object, the image pickup unit picking up an image inside the image pickup target part; and a position detection unit which detects a position of the distal end part. The control unit causes the image display unit to display a position display image including a pointer image indicating the position of the distal end part detected by the position detection unit, as the virtual image superimposed on the object in the external scenery.

Abstract: Systems and methods herein are directed to an endoscopic device with a drip flange, including the assembly and use of the endoscopic device. The endoscopic device with a drip flange may be positioned to abut an aperture into an operative cavity and inserted through the aperture. An endoscopic procedure may be performed, during which fluid moves along an outside surface of the elongate shaft, the fluid moving from the distal end toward the proximal end, and where the fluid is directed to a drip flange coupled to the outside surface of the elongate shaft between the distal tip and a proximal end of the elongate shaft.

Abstract: An endoscope treatment tool includes: a tubular sheath part; an operation wire; an arm member; a holding tube; and a biasing member. The sheath part includes an elongated body part, and a tubular member. In a state where the holding tube and the tubular member are in contact with each other, the holding tube and the tubular member are connected to each other so as not to be rotated relative to each other about an axis and to be movable relative to each other in a direction in which a central axis of the sheath part extends. The arm member and the holding tube have a rotation restricting structure that prevents the arm member from rotating about an axis of the holding tube in a state where the arm member is in contact with the holding tube against the biasing force of the biasing member.

Abstract: Exemplary endoscopes, and endoscope sheaths are provided having an integrally formed imaging window. The sheath may comprise thin coiled wires and may be made using a dip-casting process. Also provided is a method which may comprise the steps of forming polymer coat(s) around a mandrel, forming a fiber assembly, forming polymer coat(s) around the fiber assembly, and forming a window around an end of the mandrel.

Abstract: In the case of a method according to the invention for connecting at least two components of an endoscope, at least one brazing preform, which contains a high-temperature brazing solder, is introduced into at least one brazing solder reservoir of at least one of the components, the at least two components are held in relation to one another in such a way that at least one brazing gap that is in capillary connection with the at least one brazing solder reservoir is formed between joining regions of the at least two components that are assigned to one another, and the arrangement comprising the at least two components and the at least one brazing preform is heated to a brazing temperature of the high-temperature brazing solder. The invention also relates to a component of an endoscope and to an endoscope.

Abstract: An endoscope device comprises an image capturing unit, a supporting unit, a first and a second coaxial conductive units, and a conductive glue. The image capturing unit has a sensing surface and a back surface with at least two conductive pads thereon. The supporting unit has at least two carrying portions corresponding to the at least two conductive pads respectively. The supporting unit is connected with the back surface of the image capturing unit and extends along a direction approximately orthogonal to the back surface. The first and second coaxial conductive units are located at corresponding carrying portions respectively. The conductive glue covers the first coaxial conductive unit and the conductive pad corresponding to the first coaxial conductive unit, and covers the second coaxial conductive unit and the conductive pad corresponding to the second coaxial conductive unit.

Abstract: Provided is an endoscope apparatus that can improve the airtightness of a space within a connector part where an optical semiconductor element or the like is present. The endoscope apparatus includes a connector part that is connected to an external device and transmits and receives light signals to and from the external device. The connector part includes a hollow metal member having two openings that communicate with each other, a light emitting element that is press-fitted and fixed to one opening side of the hollow metal member so as to be capable of sealing the periphery of the one opening, a lens that is provided on the other opening side of the hollow metal member, a fixing member that fixes the lens to the hollow metal member, and an O ring that is pressed by the fixing member and seals a gap between the lens and the hollow metal member.

Abstract: A plug as an optical connector is configured to connect mechanically and optically with a receptacle, wherein part of an optical fibre for transmitting an optical signal is disposed internally. The plug includes a tubular plug-side first outer wall into which the optical fibre is inserted, configured to cover an optical signal-emitting end of the optical fibre. An end side of the plug-side first outer wall to be connected to the receptacle is sealed by a plug-side cover member translucent to an optical signal. In the optical connector intrusion of liquid and foreign substances can be suppressed, and reliability of optical communication can be ensured.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus, device or tool for performing endoscopic (that is, minimally invasive) surgery. An exemplary embodiment of the invention includes a video endoscope whilst in another embodiment of the invention includes an endoscopic surgical tool which, when equipped with one of a suite of endoscopic surgical instruments, can be used by a surgeon to perform surgical procedures inside a body. Another embodiment of the present invention includes a suite of endoscopic surgical instruments designed to work co-operatively with the endoscopic surgical tool. In another embodiment of the present invention, a video-assisted endoscopic surgical tool system is provided. In one embodiment, the system includes the video-assisted endoscopic surgical tool and a suite of at least one endoscopic surgical instrument.

Abstract: Example embodiments relate to endoscopic systems. The system includes an outer assembly and main assembly. The outer assembly may include proximal and distal ends and outer anchor assembly. The outer anchor assembly may include a first expandable member and first outer pressure opening. The first expandable member may expand radially outwards. The main assembly may include proximal and distal ends and a navigation assembly. The navigation assembly may include an instrument, second expandable member, bendable section, extendible section, and first pressure opening. The extendible section may include proximal and distal ends. The proximal end of the extendible section may be secured in position relative to the distal end of the outer assembly. The extendible section may be configurable to extend and contract. The first main pressure opening may be configurable to apply a negative pressure.

Abstract: Sensing parts are formed in different directions in a circumferential direction in substantially a same position in the longitudinal direction thereof. Each sensing part is configured to include an optical characteristic changing member which generates the optical signals having absorption wavelength characteristic regions that vary from sensing part to sensing part by giving an optical characteristic change, which differs from that of other sensing parts, to the sensor light incident thereon in accordance with an amount of bending in a specific direction. A light detector detects the optical signals included in sensor light from a light source, which has passed through the sensing parts and undergone the optical characteristic change.

Abstract: An objective optical system consists of, in order from an object side, a front group, an intermediate group, and a rear group, wherein focusing is carried out from a far-point observation state to a near-point observation state by varying a focal length by moving the intermediate group along an optical axis, and the front group includes a first negative lens, and the first negative lens has a meniscus shape having an aspheric surface, and in any of the far-point observation state and the near-point observation state, the objective optical system satisfies the following conditional expressions (1) and (2) |(½)×?f×?t×((1/?f)?1)|?0.055??(1) 0.12?Sa/FL?0.44??(2).

Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure may include a medical device comprising an elongate member and a handle assembly connected to the elongate member. The handle housing may house a steering mechanism movable relative to the handle assembly and configured to steer the elongate member along a first plane and a second plane different from the first plane, a camera system configured to capture images from a distal end of the elongate member, and an illumination system configured to provide illuminating light from the distal end of the elongate member.

Abstract: A bendable tube segment includes annular members and wire insertion portions. The wire insertion portion is provided on the annular member to shift by a third angle, which is an obtuse angle smaller than a first angle, in the same direction as the first angle. The wire insertion portion is provided on the annular member to shift by a fourth angle, which is an acute angle larger than a second angle, in the same direction as the second angle.

Abstract: A method of assessing Fallopian tubal patency includes introducing a distension medium into a patient's uterus, introducing a contrasting medium into the uterus, and observing the contrasting medium, for example, via a hysteroscope, to determine whether the contrasting medium flows into one or both Fallopian tubes. A device for assessing Fallopian tubal patency includes a chamber for receiving contrast media, a flow path through the chamber for delivering distension media to a patient's uterus, and a flow controller for regulating the flow of distension media to the patient's uterus. The flow path is configured to permit flow of contrast media from the chamber into the flow path.

Abstract: An image processing device includes a processor including hardware, the processor being configured to: acquire an input image; detect an arc curve in the input image; determine a change in a luminance of a pixel in a direction from an inner side toward an outer side of the arc curve; detect, as a representative bubble region, a region including the arc curve involving a change determined to be an increase in the luminance in the direction from the inner side toward the outer side; and extract a bubble region, based on the representative bubble region.

Abstract: An image pickup apparatus includes: a wiring board that has a first main surface and a second main surface; an electronic components that include an image pickup device mounted on the wiring board; and conductive wires bonded to the wiring board. The wiring board includes a first area disposed in an XY plane, a second area extended from a distal end portion of the first area and disposed in an XZ plane, a third area extended from a first side surface of the first area and disposed in a YZ plane, and a fourth area extended from a distal end portion of the third area and disposed in the XZ plane. The first main surface of the second area is a distal end surface, and the image pickup device is mounted on the distal end surface.

Abstract: An endoscope system capable of setting the optimal balance of light source wavelengths in accordance with a diagnosis purpose is provided. An endoscope system includes a diagnosis purpose acquisition unit, a plurality of light sources with different light emission wavelengths, a light quantity ratio storage unit, a light quantity ratio selection unit, and a light source control unit. The diagnosis purpose acquisition unit acquires a diagnosis purpose. The light quantity ratio storage unit stores correspondence between the diagnosis purpose and a plurality of light quantity ratios with different balances of respective emission light quantities of the plurality of light sources. The light quantity ratio selection unit refers to the light quantity ratio storage unit and selects the light quantity ratio that is used for the acquired diagnosis purpose. The light source control unit controls the plurality of light sources to emit illumination light with the selected light quantity ratio.

Abstract: An illumination apparatus includes an optical apparatus configured to optically process laser light to produce illumination light such that speckle noise in the illumination light is reduced. The optical apparatus includes at least one collimator (130) configured to collimate the laser light and a diffuser (140) configured to diffuse the laser light.