Patents Issued in July 8, 2021
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Publication number: 20210204760Abstract: Systems and methods for a multi-function lavatory fixture are disclosed. The lavatory fixture includes a first and second leg, where a first end of each leg is configured to be mounted to a deck and a second end of each leg is located over a basin of the lavatory fixture. A connecting section extends between the second ends of each leg and includes outlets to dispense water and soap to wash a user's hands. The fixture also includes indicators located proximate each of the outlets to indicate to the user the location of each outlet. A sensor located near each outlet identifies the presence of a user's hands near the outlet and dispenses water and soap, accordingly. A controller within the lavatory fixture receives inputs from each sensor and activates the appropriate pump or valve to deliver the desired product at the appropriate outlet.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 11, 2019Publication date: July 8, 2021Inventors: John M. Loberger, Scott M. Kluck, William L. Haas, Jason T. Dodge
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Publication number: 20210204761Abstract: Provided is a portable bidet capable of maintaining the quality of cleaning water. A portable bidet is configured to include a tank portion formed to be compression-deformable and restorable to its original shape, a nozzle that is connected to the tank portion and can discharge a fluid, and a sealing portion that is provided continuously to the nozzle. The tank portion and the nozzle are connected via a cylindrical portion having a cylindrical shape. In a sealed state where the fluid is sealed by the sealing portion, the fluid is fully filled in a storing chamber in a state where the tank portion is compressed, and in an opened state where sealing by the sealing portion is released, the tank portion is restored to its original shape, and a volume of the storing chamber is expanded as compared with a volume of the storing chamber in the sealed state.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 9, 2017Publication date: July 8, 2021Inventor: Saburo Nakamura
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Publication number: 20210204762Abstract: A wall mount towel bar assembly provides a wall mount bracket adapted to be mounted to a planar surface. A threaded shaft is supported upon the wall mount bracket for rotation relative to the wall mount bracket. A sleeve is in threaded engagement with the threaded shaft with a sleeve aperture formed therein. A bar is received for translation in the sleeve aperture. Rotation of the threaded shaft locks the bar in the sleeve to maintain a position of the bar within the sleeve.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 19, 2021Publication date: July 8, 2021Inventor: James Leroy DANIELS
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Publication number: 20210204763Abstract: Apparatus is provided for manufacturing a wipe in a three-dimensional form out of an essentially flat piece of material. The apparatus produces a blank of essentially flat planar form with a pleat folded on each side. The folded blanks are fed by a conveyor belt to an opening station. The opening station comprises a pair of movable pinch rollers which selectively grab individual blanks from the conveyor belt and feed them via belts to a pair of counter-rotating drums. The blanks are ejected from the drums, which partially opens them up in the process. The partially open blanks are fed onto a shaped former, where the final process of forming the wipe into its chosen three-dimensional form is completed.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 24, 2021Publication date: July 8, 2021Inventors: Oday Abbosh, Philip Russell Fawcus, Julian Brandon-Jones, Emanuel Nannizzi, Gianluca Giometti, Dave Reed
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Publication number: 20210204764Abstract: To provide a toilet roll having a deodorizing function. The problem is solved by a toilet roll in which a volatile deodorizing fragrant agent that is vaporized to emit fragrance and chemically deodorizes a malodorous component is applied to an outer periphery of a paper tube, and a deodorizing region to which a deodorant that chemically deodorizes a malodorous component is applied for deodorizing a malodorous component by contact with the malodorous component is provided on an inner periphery of the paper tube.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 3, 2019Publication date: July 8, 2021Inventor: Shintaro OBA
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Publication number: 20210204765Abstract: A method for loading a stack of interfolded paper units into a dispenser includes inserting a stack of interfolded paper units into an interior volume of the dispenser through a dispenser opening. The dispenser has a lid having a dispensing aperture, as well as a movable platen that has a paper-engaging surface, and which is urged upwardly toward the dispenser opening. A bottom wall of the dispenser is disposed opposite the dispenser opening, and a lock of the dispenser is selectively engageable with the platen. The stack is placed on the platen and a downward force is exerted on the top surface of the stack to thereby push the platen downward until the platen has been engaged by the lock and has reached a locked position in which the paper-engaging surface has an oblique orientation relative to the bottom wall of the dispenser.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 23, 2021Publication date: July 8, 2021Inventors: Magnus Falk, John P. Devlin, Peter McNulty, Jeffrey Mekler, Nathan Rollins
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Publication number: 20210204766Abstract: An apparatus for a portable toilet includes a film storage compartment and a plurality of transport wheels. The film storage compartment is configured to store a liner having a tubular shape. The plurality of transport wheels is configured to transport the liner through a serpentine space. At least one of the plurality of transport wheels includes a high friction area and a hollow area.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 14, 2020Publication date: July 8, 2021Inventors: Michael S. Luettgen, Yogesh Pansare, Swapnil Borade
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Publication number: 20210204767Abstract: A vacuum cleaner assembly includes an upright vacuum cleaner, an adapter, and a handheld accessory. The upright vacuum cleaner includes an upright frame and a connection post. The connection post is coupled to the upright frame. The connection post includes a distal end. The adapter includes a recess and a projection. The distal end of the connection post is removably received in the recess. The projection is opposite the recess. The handheld accessory includes an elongate member. The elongate member includes a nozzle end. At least a portion of the projection is removably received in the nozzle end.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 21, 2020Publication date: July 8, 2021Inventors: Roderick Burgess, Jacob W. Connelly, Kevin Terry, Bradley Hooley
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Publication number: 20210204768Abstract: A vacuum cleaner assembly includes an upright vacuum cleaner, a handheld accessory, and a battery. The upright vacuum cleaner includes a cleaning head, an upright frame, and a first battery mount. The upright frame is pivotably connected to the cleaning head. The first battery mount is connected to at least one of the upright frame or the cleaning head. The handheld accessory includes a secondary battery mount. The handheld accessory is removably coupled to the upright frame. The battery removably couples to the first battery mount to power the upright vacuum cleaner and removably couples to the second battery mount to power the handheld accessory.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 22, 2020Publication date: July 8, 2021Inventor: Gary Scott
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Publication number: 20210204769Abstract: A handheld vacuum cleaner includes a housing, a motor, and a dirt cup. The housing defines a top, a bottom, a motor chamber, a dirty air inlet at a front of the housing, a handle at the rear of the housing, a clean air outlet, and an airflow path from the dirty air inlet to the clean air outlet. The handle has a grip portion. The housing further includes a continuous elongate structural member extending from the dirty air inlet into the grip portion of the handle. The motor is disposed in the motor chamber. The dirt cup is coupled to the elongate structural member. The dirt cup is in fluid communication with the dirty air inlet and the motor. The elongate structural member defines a portion of the airflow path extending from the dirty air inlet.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 23, 2020Publication date: July 8, 2021Inventors: Kevin L. Thomas, Kevin Terry, Jeffrey D. Accursi
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Publication number: 20210204770Abstract: A handheld vacuum cleaner includes a housing, motor, filter access door, filter, and dirt cup movably coupled to the housing. The housing defines a top, bottom, motor chamber, dirty air inlet, handle, clean air outlet, and air flow path. The air flow path is routed from the dirty air inlet to the clean air outlet. The motor is disposed in the motor chamber and defines a motor axis. The filter access defines a filter chamber with the housing. The filter is disposed in the filter chamber and defines a filter axis. The dirt cup defines a dirt cup axis extending parallel to the motor axis and filter axis. The filter access door is located below the filter axis. When the filter axis door is removed, the filter is removable in a downward direction from the filter chamber.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 29, 2020Publication date: July 8, 2021Inventors: Kevin Terry, Roderick Burgess, Jacob W. Connelly, Kevin L. Thomas, Garry Fee, Jeffrey D. Accursi
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Publication number: 20210204771Abstract: A cleaner includes: a suction unit; a suction motor that generates suction force for sucking air through the suction unit and includes an impeller; a dust separation unit that includes one or more cyclone units generating cyclonic flow to separate dust from air flowing inside through the suction unit; a dust container that stores dust separated by the dust separation unit and is disposed under the suction motor; a battery disposed behind the dust container to supply power to the suction motor; and a handle disposed behind the suction motor, wherein a rotational axis of the impeller and an axis of the cyclonic flow vertically extend and an extension line from the rotational axis of the impeller passes through the one or more cyclone units.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 25, 2021Publication date: July 8, 2021Inventors: Bohyun NAM, Namhee KIM, Jinju KIM, Hyeonjeong AN, Jungbae HWANG
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Publication number: 20210204772Abstract: A cleaner includes: a suction unit; a suction motor that generates suction force for sucking air through the suction unit and includes an impeller; a dust separation unit that includes one or more cyclone units generating cyclonic flow to separate dust from air flowing inside through the suction unit; a dust container that stores dust separated by the dust separation unit and is disposed under the suction motor; a battery disposed behind the dust container to supply power to the suction motor; and a handle disposed behind the suction motor, wherein a rotational axis of the impeller and an axis of the cyclonic flow vertically extend and an extension line from the rotational axis of the impeller passes through the one or more cyclone units.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 25, 2021Publication date: July 8, 2021Inventors: Bohyun NAM, Namhee KIM, Jinju KIM, Hyeonjeong AN, Jungbae HWANG
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Publication number: 20210204773Abstract: A cleaner includes: a suction unit; a suction motor that generates suction force for sucking air through the suction unit and includes an impeller; a dust separation unit that includes one or more cyclone units generating cyclonic flow to separate dust from air flowing inside through the suction unit; a dust container that stores dust separated by the dust separation unit and is disposed under the suction motor; a battery disposed behind the dust container to supply power to the suction motor; and a handle disposed behind the suction motor, wherein a rotational axis of the impeller and an axis of the cyclonic flow vertically extend and an extension line from the rotational axis of the impeller passes through the one or more cyclone units.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 25, 2021Publication date: July 8, 2021Inventors: Bohyun NAM, Namhee KIM, Jinju KIM, Hyeonjeong AN, Jungbae HWANG
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Publication number: 20210204774Abstract: A vacuum cleaner includes a housing that houses a suction nozzle and a fan and is configured to be moved on a surface to be cleaned, a cartridge including a solution, a spray nozzle that directs a spray on the surface, a valve that actuates the spray nozzle and a controller that selectively operates the valve based on pre-programmed instructions. The spray nozzle is positioned on the housing in a direction away from a direction of movement of the housing.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 20, 2019Publication date: July 8, 2021Applicants: Better Air North America, LLC, Better Air International LimitedInventors: Taly DERY, Michael HOFFMAN
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Publication number: 20210204775Abstract: The present disclosure provides a surface cleaning apparatus that includes a recovery system that extracts liquid and debris with a drying cycle in which forced air flows through a recovery pathway of the recovery system to dry out components that remain wet and/or retain moisture after normal operation of the apparatus. The post-operation drying cycle can dry out components such as an agitator or brushroll, a brush chamber, a suction nozzle, a recovery tank, a filter, and any of the various conduits, ducts, and/or hoses fluidly coupling components of the recovery system together.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 25, 2021Publication date: July 8, 2021Inventors: Kurt Ashbaugh, Jason W. Pruiett, David M. Miller, Todd R. VanTongeren
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Publication number: 20210204776Abstract: A vacuum cleaner includes an air flow path, housing, dirt cup, and shroud. The air flow path directs airflow from a dirty air inlet to a clean air outlet. The housing defines the clean air outlet. The dirt cup is removably coupled to the housing. The dirt cup includes a dirt cup inlet, dirt cup outlet, and dirt collection chamber. The shroud is disposed in the dirt cup between the dirt cup inlet and the dirt cup outlet. The shroud includes a first end, second end, and plurality of shroud lateral sides extending between the first and second ends. The second end is spaced farther from the dirt cup outlet than the first end is. At least one of the shroud lateral sides is closed to airflow therethrough. The other of the shroud lateral sides are permeable to airflow for filtering debris from the airflow.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 29, 2020Publication date: July 8, 2021Inventor: Terry M. Birchler
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Publication number: 20210204777Abstract: A cleaner comprising: a housing having the shape of a hollow cylinder, a barrier for dividing the inner space of the housing into an upper space and a lower space; a barrier through-hole provided so as to penetrate the barrier; an intake portion provided on the circumferential surface of the housing; an exhaust portion provided to penetrate the housing; a housing discharge port penetrating the bottom surface of the housing; a cover for closing the housing discharge port; an alien-substance separating portion provided in the lower space so as to provide a channel that guides air introduced to the intake portion to the barrier through-hole; a fan provided to comprise an impeller positioned in the upper space; a rotating shaft to which the impeller is fixed, and a motor for rotating the rotating shaft; and a storage portion provided to be attachable to/detachable from the housing.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 21, 2019Publication date: July 8, 2021Applicant: LG ELECTRONICS INC.Inventors: Kietak HYUN, Sangchul LEE, Jonguk HER
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Publication number: 20210204778Abstract: A cleaning appliance comprises a first housing having a hollow cylinder shape; a second housing fixed to a circumferential surface of the first housing; a third housing provided on a circumferential surface of the first housing and having an exhaust hole; a first communication hole between the first and second housings; a fan for moving air from the second communication hole to the exhaust hole; a particle separator for separating particles from the air by centrifugal force; a battery housing protruded from a rear surface of the first housing, wherein the center of gravity of the fan is located between the center of gravity of the particle separator and the center of gravity of the battery, and a rotary shaft for the fan is parallel with a straight line passing through the center of gravity of the particle separator along a longitudinal direction of the first housing.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 21, 2019Publication date: July 8, 2021Applicant: LG ELECTRONICS INC.Inventors: Kietak HYUN, Sangchul LEE, Jonguk HER
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Publication number: 20210204779Abstract: A vacuum cleaner includes a suction inlet, a suction source configured to generate an airflow through the suction inlet to draw debris with the airflow through the suction inlet, and a separator assembly. The separator assembly includes a housing having an air inlet and an air outlet, a debris collection chamber within the housing, and an inner chamber formed within a shroud that defines a cyclone axis and has a perforated portion. The inner chamber has a first end and a second end. The first end has a tangential inlet. The second end is open toward the debris collection chamber. An outflow passageway is outside of the shroud and in fluid communication with the air outlet and a filter is in fluid communication with the outflow passageway.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 24, 2021Publication date: July 8, 2021Inventors: Kirti Kant Paulla, David Khalil, Blake Guzewicz, Jake Tyler
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Publication number: 20210204780Abstract: A cleaning system comprising a vacuum source, a current sensor, a recovery tank having a shutoff float configured to float on a surface of fluid within the recovery tank, and a controller. The vacuum source is in fluid communication with a suction inlet via first and second air paths within the recovery tank. The shutoff float is further configured to block the first air path upon the fluid within the recovery tank reaching a desired level. The controller is configured to receive, from the current sensor, a signal indicative of the current drawn by the vacuum source. The controller is further configured to determine, based on the current drawn by the vacuum source crossing a threshold, the fluid within the recovery tank has reached the desired level and control an operating element of the cleaning system upon determining the fluid within the recovery tank has reached the desired level.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 23, 2020Publication date: July 8, 2021Inventors: Kevin Pohlman, Rafael Davila, Nicholas DeBlasio
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Publication number: 20210204781Abstract: A vacuum cleaner assembly basically includes a vacuum body, a first power source, an accessory, and a second power source. The first power source is configured to create flow through a suction path. The accessory is configured to be removably connected to the vacuum body. The second power source is configured to power the accessory. Each of the first and second power sources is configured to share power with the other of the first and second power sources.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 30, 2020Publication date: July 8, 2021Inventor: Mark D BOSSES
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Publication number: 20210204782Abstract: An autonomous floor cleaner includes a base that is movable over a surface to be cleaned, a top plate coupled with the base, a collection chamber, at least one dirt inlet in communication with the collection chamber, and at least one sweeping element for sweeping dirt on the surface to be cleaned toward the collection chamber.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 22, 2021Publication date: July 8, 2021Inventors: Jeffrey A. Scholten, Michael T. Dillane, Tyler James Imhoff, Scott M. Rose, Adam Luedke
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Publication number: 20210204783Abstract: A robot cleaner includes a main body which forms an external shape; two or more spin mops which rotate in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction when viewed from above and mop a floor with a damp cloth, and move the main body; and a cleaning module which is positioned in front of the spin mops and collects foreign substance existing on a cleaning target surface, wherein the cleaning module includes: a housing which is coupled to the main body and opened at a lower side; a dust container which forms a space for accommodating foreign substance and is positioned to be detachable in a lower side direction of the housing; and an agitator which is positioned inside the housing, and sends foreign substance existing on the cleaning target surface to the dust container by a rotation operation.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 19, 2021Publication date: July 8, 2021Inventors: Jaewon JANG, Minwoo LEE
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Publication number: 20210204784Abstract: A floor mopping machine includes a casing and a motor. A partition plate is arranged at a middle of the casing, and a battery is arranged at a side of the partition plate. A first support roller is provided at an end of the battery away from the motor, and a second support roller is provided at an end of the first support roller away from the battery. A set of second pressure rollers are arranged between the first support roller and the second support roller, and a set of third pressure rollers are arranged between the first support roller and a driving roller.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 19, 2021Publication date: July 8, 2021Inventor: Xiang GAO
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Publication number: 20210204785Abstract: Disclosed is an artificial intelligence moving agent. The artificial intelligence moving agent includes a communicator in communication with a terminal of a user, a camera for shooting an image, and a processor for detecting a movement of an object, providing an image of the object to an artificial intelligence model to obtain information on whether to transmit the image of the object when the movement of the object is detected, and transmitting the image of the object to the terminal based on the obtained information.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 31, 2019Publication date: July 8, 2021Applicant: LG ELECTRONICS INC.Inventors: Kamin LEE, Suyeon KIM, Seungah CHAE
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Publication number: 20210204786Abstract: A riding floor cleaning machine having an intelligent system including a main frame sub-assembly, a steering and drive wheel sub-assembly, a solution tank sub-assembly, a recovery tank sub-assembly, a recovery tank cover sub-assembly, a control panel sub-assembly, a main controller sub-assembly, a seat and detergent system sub-assembly, a battery sub-assembly, a scrub head sub-assembly, a scrub head lift sub-assembly, a squeegee sub-assembly, a solution and detergent sub-assembly, and an intelligent system associated with at least one of the above-identified sub-assemblies, wherein the intelligent system selectively gathers, obtains, monitors, stores, records, and/or analyzes data associated with components of the riding floor cleaning machine, and controllably communicates and/or disseminates such data with another system and/or user.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 15, 2021Publication date: July 8, 2021Inventor: Nai Pong Simon Chen
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Publication number: 20210204787Abstract: A method of scheduling a robotic device enables the device to run autonomously based on previously loaded scheduling information. The method consists of a communication device, such as a hand-held remote device, that can directly control the robotic device, or load scheduling information into the robotic device such that it will carry out a defined task at the desired time without the need for further external control. The communication device can also be configured to load a scheduling application program into an existing robotic device, such that the robotic device can receive and implement scheduling information from a user.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 15, 2021Publication date: July 8, 2021Inventors: Zivthan A. Dubrovsky, Gregg W. Landry, Michael J. Halloran, James Lynch
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Publication number: 20210204788Abstract: The G Sponge is a wiping device for cleaning excess water and grout that occurs during tiling. The sponge material is formed from Polyvinyl Alcohol to provide high absorbency. The fabricated etchings catalyze the wiping process and internal borings provide ventilation for drying.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 3, 2020Publication date: July 8, 2021Inventors: James Hooker, Clint Martin
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Publication number: 20210204789Abstract: A wringer has a support surface and a first wringer surface depending from the support surface to a second wringer surface having perforations and curving to a free edge substantially below the support surface. The second wringer surface may be curved in an approximately 180 degree arc. The first wringer surface may be flat and also perforated. The support surface may be formed as an inverted channel structure with a closed upper surface and an angled surface extending away from the first wringer surface. The angled surface may extend at an angle approximately 45 degrees. The wringer may be used with one or more buckets, where the wringer is supported from the rim of one bucket or from the adjacent rims of two buckets. A flat first wringer surface may be used to ring a flat mop, and the curved second wringer surface may be used to bring a round mop.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 22, 2020Publication date: July 8, 2021Applicant: Micronova Manufacturing, Inc.Inventors: Phillip LeCompte, C. Travis Hunsucker
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Publication number: 20210204790Abstract: A cleaning system includes: a bucket; a liquid-permeable basket located in the bucket, the basket being settable into rotation using a first actuating device and is arranged so that a height of the basket is adjustable in the bucket using a second actuating device; and a cleaning device having a cleaning textile, the cleaning device having a handle on a side facing away from the cleaning textile. The basket is can be both a wash-out basket and a spin-dry basket for the cleaning textile. The second actuating device includes the handle and a ballpoint-pen mechanism, by which the basket is positionable in a first position lowest in the bucket and a second position highest in the bucket by moving the handle up and down.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 15, 2019Publication date: July 8, 2021Inventors: Uwe Dingert, Carlo Messineo
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Publication number: 20210204791Abstract: Among other things, a method is disclosed which includes the following: acquiring at least one set of acceleration data indicative of a progression of measured acceleration values; determining status data indicative of a process step within a cleaning program performed by a dishwasher; outputting or causing the output of the determined status data. Further revealed is a device for executing and/or controlling this method, a system with one or more devices for executing and/or controlling this method and a computer program for executing and/or controlling this method by employing a processor.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 26, 2019Publication date: July 8, 2021Applicant: Henkel AG & Co. KGaAInventors: ARND KESSLER, LARS ZUECHNER, ROBERT RUIZ HERNANDEZ, THOMAS JUCKEL, WOLFGANG WICK
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Publication number: 20210204792Abstract: A water valve bracket for a dishwasher appliance is provided. The dishwasher appliance includes a base rail having a curvilinear cross-sectional shape. The water valve bracket includes a curvilinear flange which is configured to mount on the base rail with the curvilinear flange in contact with the base rail. A curvature of the curvilinear flange of the water valve bracket conforms to the curvilinear cross-sectional shape of the base rail.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 8, 2020Publication date: July 8, 2021Inventors: Kyle Joseph Brandewie, Jeremy Joseph Ryan
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Publication number: 20210204793Abstract: Example intelligent dishwashing systems and methods are described. In one implementation, a system includes an imaging system configured to capture at least one image of an article of dishware. A processing system analyzes the at least one image to determine a presence and a location of a stain on the article of dishware. Responsive to determining the presence of a stain, a cleaning system is configured to clean the location of the stain on the article of dishware.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 22, 2021Publication date: July 8, 2021Inventors: Kerkil Choi, Paul M. Birkmeyer, Paul Baumgart, Kenneth M. Peters
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Publication number: 20210204794Abstract: A processor device includes an image signal acquiring unit, an image processing unit, and a display control unit. The image signal acquiring unit acquires a digital image signal corresponding to an observation mode from an endoscope. The image processing unit includes a region-of-interest-detection-mode image processing unit. The display control unit sets an emphasized region having a larger area than a region of interest and including the region of interest, displays the emphasized region in a manner of emphasized display, and determines whether or not to change setting of the emphasized region in accordance with an amount of variation of the region of interest.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 19, 2021Publication date: July 8, 2021Applicant: FUJIFILM CorporationInventor: Hirona YUMBE
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Publication number: 20210204795Abstract: A control device includes: a light source configured to generate light by drive current applied; a light source controller configured to apply the drive current to the light source; a signal generator configured to generate a signal according to light received; an optical path switch configured to switch an optical path of light generated by the light source; a determination circuit configured to determine whether a signal generated by the signal generator is a periodic signal that periodically changes in signal intensity; and a function controller configured to perform control in which performance of a predetermined function is prohibited when the determination circuit determines that the signal is not the periodic signal and in which the performance of the predetermined function is permitted when the determination circuit determines that the signal is the periodic signal.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 18, 2021Publication date: July 8, 2021Applicant: OLYMPUS CORPORATIONInventor: Tadashi KOTANI
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Publication number: 20210204796Abstract: Disclosed herein are safety devices that are positioned on the end of a fiberoptic cable, such as those used in surgical procedures, to prevent patients and other objects from the risk of burn from light or heat emitted from the end of the cable when not connected to an optical instrument. The disclosed safety devices can be added to the ends of existing cables and/or can be included at the end of cables during manufacture. In some embodiments, the safety device replaces an existing connector at the end of a cable, and in some embodiments the safety device is added in addition to a connector at the end of the cable. In some embodiments, a slit end cover is included over an open end of an adaptor that is mounted on a distal connector of a fiberoptic cable.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 9, 2017Publication date: July 8, 2021Applicants: University of Pittsburgh - Of the Commonwealth System of Higher Education, UPMCInventors: Steven Gerard Docimo, William W. Clark, Alexandra Marie Delazio, John A. Holmes, Benjamin T. Ristau
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Publication number: 20210204797Abstract: A cleaning adapter for an endoscope is provided. The cleaning adapter comprises a main stem comprising a first through hole extending transversely through the main stem, a second through hole extending transversely through the main stem, and a channel within the main stem fluidly coupling the first through hole to the second through hole. In some embodiments, a tag for an endoscope valve is provided. Methods and kits are also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 6, 2019Publication date: July 8, 2021Inventors: Cesar E. Hernandez, John Wayne Miller, Travis Bendele, Joshua Lee Ronan, Heba Hijazi, Roger Garrett, Robert Lagow
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Publication number: 20210204798Abstract: There is provided herein a tip section for an endoscope assembly that includes a fluid distribution device for circulating fluid for cleaning a body cavity. In an embodiment, the tip section includes a groove aligned with side jet channels, where multiple holes drilled above the groove, through the periphery of a tip cover covering the tip section, provide an exit for the fluid circulated by the side jet channels in all directions around the tip cover. In another embodiment, the tip section includes a removable attachment that covers jet channel openings. Multiple holes drilled through the cover provide a multiple jet exit for the fluid circulated by the jet channels in multiple directions around the tip cover.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 13, 2021Publication date: July 8, 2021Applicant: EndoChoice, Inc.Inventors: Golan Salman, Amram Aizenfeld, Stephan Wieth
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Publication number: 20210204799Abstract: An endoscope can comprise a proximal section, an insertion section extending longitudinally from the proximal section and comprising an elongate tubular body disposed along an insertion section longitudinal axis and a lumen extending through the elongate tubular body, and a distal section extending from the insertion section and comprising an elevator portion comprising an elevator configured to position and orient one or more endotherapy tools extending from the lumen, and a camera module comprising an illumination unit and an imaging unit. The camera module can be positioned longitudinally spaced apart from the elevator portion in an in-line configuration, such that the insertion tube longitudinal axis passes through the elevator portion and the camera module. The camera module can be user-detachable from the elevator portion. The camera module can be cleaned and sanitized for reuse and the insertion section can be disposable.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 18, 2020Publication date: July 8, 2021Inventors: Joey Magno, Thomas J. Holman, Kurt G. Shelton
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Publication number: 20210204800Abstract: An elevator for an endoscope comprises a first end secured to the endoscope, a second end movable by an actuator, a flexible portion positioned between the first and second ends that is rotatable when the second end is moved by the actuator, and a guide portion extending between the flexible portion and the second end to receive an endotherapy instrument extending from the endoscope, the guide portion comprising a chute to guide the endotherapy instrument leaving the endoscope. A method of forming an elevator comprises forming from a planar sheet of material an elongate body comprising a length between first and second ends, a width, and a thickness, forming a guide body in the elongate body, bending the elongate body such that first and second lengths of the elongate body oppose each other to form an interior space, and bending the guide body to extend into the interior space.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 18, 2020Publication date: July 8, 2021Inventors: Joey Magno, Kurt G. Shelton, Thomas J. Holman, Michael Sansoucy
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Publication number: 20210204801Abstract: An apparatus for capsule endoscopy, the apparatus comprising a capsule that comprises: at least one inflatable bladder configured to form a toroid having a hole and an outer periphery when inflated; a plurality of continuous tracks, each extending through the hole and around the outer periphery of the at least one inflatable bladder; and a propulsion system configured to drive the continuous tracks; wherein the capsule is configured such that the continuous tracks slip over the at least one inflatable bladder when driven by the propulsion system.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 18, 2021Publication date: July 8, 2021Inventors: Danail STOYANOV, Agostino STILLI
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Publication number: 20210204802Abstract: The present invention provides a system for altering the field of view of an endoscope image, comprising: at least one endoscope having a wide-angle lens in said endoscope's distal end; at least one camera located in said endoscope's proximal end, adapted to image a field of view of said endoscope image by means of said wide-angle lens; and a computer program which, when executed by data processing apparatus, is configured to select at least a portion of said field of view; wherein said portion of said field of view is selectable without physically maneuvering said endoscope or said wide-angle lens such that a virtual maneuvering of said field of view is provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 2, 2021Publication date: July 8, 2021Applicant: Asensus Surgical Europe S.a.r.lInventors: Tal NIR, Yehuda PFEFFER
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Publication number: 20210204803Abstract: In a minimally invasive surgical system, an image capture unit includes a prism assembly and sensor assembly. The prism assembly includes a beam splitter, while the sensor assembly includes coplanar image capture sensors. Each of the coplanar image capture sensors has a common front end optical structure. e.g., the optical structure distal to the image capture unit is the same for each of the sensors. A controller enhances images acquired by the coplanar image capture sensors. The enhanced images may include (a) visible images with enhanced feature definition, in which a particular feature in the scene is emphasized to the operator of minimally invasive surgical system; (b) images having increased image apparent resolution; (c) images having increased dynamic range; (d) images displayed in a way based on a pixel color component vector having three or more color components; and (e) images having extended depth of field.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 16, 2021Publication date: July 8, 2021Inventor: Ian E. McDowall
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Publication number: 20210204804Abstract: The present invention relates to dental instruments having video capabilities. Specifically, the present invention relates to a dental instrument having a video camera for viewing a user's or patient's mouth when utilizing the dental instrument. More specifically, the dental instrument provides video output to a wireless device, such as a smart phone, tablet computer or other like computer. Methods of using the same are further provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 29, 2020Publication date: July 8, 2021Inventor: Craig S. Kohler
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Publication number: 20210204805Abstract: A battery-powered medical device comprising: an outer housing having an opening formed therein; at least one power source housed within the outer housing, the outer housing being configured to at least partially enclose the at least one power source so as to prevent contamination of the at least one power source with biohazardous materials, and the at least one power source being removable from the outer housing via the opening; a cover configured to cover the opening in the outer housing and to retain the at least one power source within the outer housing, and an actuator provided within the outer housing that directly engages with a portion of the at least one power source when the cover covers the opening in the outer housing.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 25, 2021Publication date: July 8, 2021Inventors: Adrienne CLARK, Demetrio Donald ANAYA, Shawn P. MURPHY
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Publication number: 20210204806Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for in vivo pre-surgical characterization of lenses, such as cataractous lenses. A method comprises obtaining an electromagnetically-measured value related to the axial thickness of the lens, obtaining an ultrasound-measured value related to the axial thickness of the lens, calculating a relationship value based upon the electromagnetically-measured value and the ultrasound-measured value, and determining a mechanical property value based upon the calculated relationship value. The mechanical property may relate to lens hardness, rigidity, or density, or the amount of energy for a phacoemulsification procedure. A system may comprise an optical interferometer for measuring data to obtain the electromagnetically-measured value and an ultrasound biometer for measuring data to obtain the ultrasound-measured value.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 18, 2021Publication date: July 8, 2021Inventors: Zsolt Bor, Mikhail Ovchinnikov
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Publication number: 20210204807Abstract: A selection for an acuity test chart is received in distributed Web content that correlates to a distance between an end user and a display of the test chart. A selection also is received of a trio of lines of different widths in a set of lines defining one of twelve radially equidistant radii of equal length extending from a common vertex in an astigmatism clock chart. An astigmatism fan chart also is generated and presented in the Web content utilizing three of the trio of lines in the selection and including twelve repeating sequences of three radially equidistant radii of different widths corresponding to the different widths of the utilized three of the trio of lines. One of the radii is selected and a prescription computed including the visual acuity value, a cylinder value deriving from the selected trio, and an axis value deriving from the selected radii.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 6, 2020Publication date: July 8, 2021Inventor: C. Brad Brocwell
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SYSTEMS, METHODS, AND DEVICES FOR OPTICAL COHERENCE TOMOGRAPHY MULTIPLE ENFACE ANGIOGRAPHY AVERAGING
Publication number: 20210204808Abstract: The disclosure herein provides methods, systems, and devices for improving optical coherence tomography machine outputs through multiple enface optical coherence tomography angiography averaging techniques. The embodiments disclosed herein can be utilized in ophthalmology for employing optical coherence tomography (OCT) for in vivo visualization of blood vessels and the flow of blood in an eye of a patient, which is also known generally as optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA).Type: ApplicationFiled: January 11, 2021Publication date: July 8, 2021Inventors: SriniVas R. Sadda, Akihito Uji -
Publication number: 20210204809Abstract: The ophthalmic imaging apparatus (1) of an embodiment example performs motion contrast imaging by applying OCT scanning to an eye (E). The data acquiring unit (2, 100) acquires a plurality of pieces of time-course data respectively corresponding to a plurality of scan points, by conducting repetitive A-scan application to individual scan points. The image constructing unit (220) constructs a motion contrast image from the plurality of pieces of time-course data acquired. The controller (211) controls the data acquiring unit such that data acquisition time intervals of first time-course data corresponding to a first scan point of the plurality of scan points and data acquisition time intervals of second time-course data corresponding to a second scan point become substantially equal to each other.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 25, 2021Publication date: July 8, 2021Applicant: Topcon CorporationInventors: Ryoichi HIROSE, Toshihiro MINO, Tatsuo YAMAGUCHI