Abstract: This invention relates to temperature control of hot beverages served in mugs/cups. It is particularly well suited for ensuring that temperatures of hot drinks can be maintained in an optimum/preferred range for long periods of time. It can also be used for heating and/or temperature control of other food items such as soups and gravy, as well as fluids/suspensions/slurries in various consumer, commercial and industrial applications. The invention achieves this by utilizing one or more compact heating blocks that comprises an electrical energy storage module with electric heating, power receiving and recharging circuits that are encapsulated together to permit total immersion in a hot drink. During use, these are be added to a drink to maintain it at a high temperature in a manner similar to ice-cubes that are used with cold drinks. A separate charger is then used to charge/recharge the heating block(s) in a non-contact manner after each use.

Abstract: Embodiments of an outdoor cooking station having a main body and a griddle with a hood pivotably coupled to the griddle are provided. For safety purposes, the griddle is removably secured to an upper portion of the main body with the legs of the griddle positioned within apertures defined in an upward facing surface of the upper portion of the main body.

Abstract: A grill is provided including a base structure. An upper platen assembly is connected to the base structure and includes an upper grilling surface. A lower platen assembly is connected to the base structure and includes a lower grilling surface. A plurality of leveling mechanisms is mounted to the base structure with a mounting bracket. A portion of each leveling mechanism is arranged in contact with the lower platen assembly. The leveling mechanisms are configured to automatically level the lower grilling surface relative to the upper grilling surface. Each of the plurality of leveling mechanisms is configured to independently move a portion of the lower grilling surface about a different axis.

Abstract: A heat-distributing and coal-containing apparatus is useable in a barbecue grill based on combustion of gas or in a barbecue grill based on burning of coal as a coal tray. The heat-distributing and coal-containing apparatus includes a bent top and two trays. The trays extend from two opposite portions of the bent top. Each of the trays includes slots extending parallel to one another.

Abstract: A food processing appliance includes a bowl to contain the food, with a side wall, a rotary work accessory arranged in the bowl, a lid arranged on the bowl, the lid including a manually-operated motor to cause a drive shaft to spin the work accessory around a rotation axis A by pulling on a cord transversely to the axis A. The lid includes a first dynamic gasket arranged between the lid and the side wall to fill the space therebetween; a second dynamic gasket, arranged between the lid and the drive shaft to fill the space therebetween; each gasket having an inner wall, a connecting part arranged on the lid, an annular lip and a groove; the lip movable and deformable with a displacement angle ? extending outwards relative to the axis A, so as to ensure a watertight seal when the lid is connected to the bowl.

Abstract: Large, kitchen island cutting board on locking wheels, that provides a safe and proficient food preparation working device for cooks of all skill levels. This invention incorporates a base unit that said device and components reside in and on as described herein. Cutting board height of invention is adjustable, a stand and handle for said cutting board is attached. The cutting board has attached to it stainless-steel deep-dish food pans in folding brackets to hold food items to be prepared and or debris deposited into for disposal. A light fixture above cutting area for convenience and safety is attached to the base unit of the invention.

Abstract: A device including a container; a plurality of compartments disposed in the container; a plurality of walls that are configured to form the plurality of compartments; an opening portion disposed at a proximate bottom section of each of the plurality of compartments; a plurality of tray components configured to be disposed at the proximate bottom portion of each of the plurality of compartments, wherein each of the tray component is further configured to be inserted and removed through the opening portion; an extension or tab implement for assisting in the removal or insertion of each tray component through the opening portion; a plurality of legs disposed at each proximate corner of the container; and at least two holdings or handles disposed widthwise on opposite sides of the container operable for holding, moving, or carrying the container.

Abstract: A re-usable sensor module for use with a dispenser for a hand hygiene product is described, wherein the dispenser comprises a container. The sensor module comprises an elastically deformable capsule with a top portion for placing a bottom of the container thereon. A sensor is arranged within the capsule and configured to measure a parameter associated with an elastic deformation of the capsule resulting from actuation or presence of the dispenser. The sensor module further comprises a processor arranged within the capsule and coupled to the sensor. The processor is configured to at least temporarily record at least one of the parameter and an event associated therewith.

Abstract: A washcloth system for personal hygiene can include a washcloth, an outer bag, and a pod. The outer bag can be configured to receive the washcloth therein. The pod can be positionable within the bag adjacent the washcloth. The pod can include an impermeable membrane enclosing an inner volume at least partially filled with a liquid mixture including a surfactant or fragrance. The membrane can be configured to, when a force is applied to the membrane by a user, rupture to expel the liquid mixture to wet the washcloth with the liquid mixture.

Abstract: A tissue dispenser, a method, system, and a sensor unit for detecting level of a consumable tissue product (201, 301) in a tissue dispenser (103, 106) located in a washroom. This includes provided a sensor unit utilizing two sensor elements (420, 430) each arranged to measure light reflected from a reflection field located on the tissue product, reflected directly from the tissue product, or measure the absence of the tissue product. Data from the sensor elements are wirelessly transmitted to a server (901) for further handling, such as for instance notification to a janitor in charge of service of the washroom.

Abstract: A composting toilet assembly can include a housing. The housing can form an enclosed cavity. A toilet bowl can have a main body disposed in the housing. A drain pan can be disposed under the toilet bowl and in fluid communication with the toilet bowl. A diversion plate can be disposed in the housing under the toilet bowl. A liquid waste bottle can be removably disposed in the housing. The liquid waste bottle in fluid can be in communication with the drain pan and configured to receive liquid waste from the drain pan. A composting bin can be disposed in the enclosed cavity of the housing. The composting bin can be adjacent to and in communication with the diversion plate.

Abstract: In one aspect, the invention is directed to a toilet seat apparatus, comprising: a toilet seat (10), having a front side gradually inclined upward with reference to its rear side, thereby upon placing thereof on a rim of a toilet bowl, forcing a user thereof to squat, thereby pushing the feces of the user upward into his transverse colon, while his left thigh compresses the descending colon, moving feces into the sigmoid colon and therefrom to his rectum.

Abstract: An ergonomic toilet equipment includes a backrest, a pedal and a balloon pillow. The backrest is disposed on the inner side of the toilet cover, with air bags inflation or suction according to the physiological bending of the user back, providing a healthy and comfortable support. The pedal raises the lower limb according to the user demand, and realizes the physiological structure of bowel movement. The balloon pillow assists the user in creating extra compression in the abdomen to promote bowel movements.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner includes an upright handle assembly, a foot assembly adapted to be moved along a surface to be cleaned and having a suction nozzle, a multi-axis joint swivelably mounting the upright handle assembly to the foot assembly and defining a first axis about which the upright handle assembly twists relative to the foot assembly and a second axis about which the upright handle assembly pivot relative to the foot assembly, and a detachable vacuum module supported on the upright handle assembly by the module platform.

Abstract: In order to achieve the objective of the present invention, a vacuum cleaner for performing autonomous driving, according to one embodiment of the present invention, comprises: a main body; a driving unit for moving the main body; a suctioning unit installed on a front side of the main body; a plurality of sensors installed on the front side of the main body and on both sides of the main body, respectively, for sensing obstacles present in each direction; and a control unit for controlling the driving unit to move the main body on the basis of a preset driving pattern, wherein the control unit uses sensors provided at the front side of the main body and a first side of the both sides of the main body so as to detect whether entry into a corner area among cleaning areas is made while driving along the preset driving pattern, and controls the driving unit such that the first side of the main body comes into contact with a first wall forming the corner area at least one time when the main body enters the corner

Abstract: A locking sleeve for connection with a valve box assembly of a central vacuum system includes, a first end adapted to couple to a wall of a valve box assembly, a second end opposite the first end, a central vertical axis between the first end and the second end, a first side adapted to be adjacent to a rear wall of a valve box assembly, a second side opposite the first side, a central horizontal axis between the first side and the second side, a slidable locking mechanism moveable in a sliding manner. The slidable locking mechanism is adapted to secure a vacuum hose assembly to the valve box assembly of the central vacuum system.

Abstract: A flexible hose for use with surface cleaning devices is disclosed that includes a support structure that allows a user to collapse and lock the same into a storage configuration, and then easily unlock the same using a relatively minor amount of force, e.g., a user-applied pulling force or mechanical force. Thus, in a general sense, a hose consistent with the present disclosure may include two relatively stable/steady-state configurations, namely a storage configuration and an in-use configuration. Thus, the hose allows a user to collapse and lock the hose when not in use, and to transition the hose to an in-use configuration to target various types of surfaces to clean including, for instance, floors, walls and ceilings which may be many feet (e.g., up to 5 feet or more) from the surface cleaning apparatus.

Abstract: An autonomous cleaning robot (e.g., an autonomous vacuum) may employ a cleaning head for cleaning messes in an environment. The cleaning head may comprise an enclosure with a brush opening at a first side, a mop opening at a second side, and an outlet connected to a vacuum pump. The outlet may open to a cavity within the enclosure. The cleaning head may further comprise a brush roller configured at a front of the enclosure, a mop roller configured behind the brush roller in the enclosure, an actuator connecting the mop roller and brush roller to the enclosure, and a selection flap hinged at a top portion of the cavity. Each of the brush roller and mop roller may be externally exposed at the brush opening and mop opening, respectively, and the actuator may be configured to move the enclosure vertically.

Abstract: An autonomous cleaning robot (e.g., an autonomous vacuum) may clean an environment using a cleaning head that is self-actuated. The cleaning head includes an actuator assembly comprising an actuator configured to control rotation and vertical movement of a cleaning roller, a controller, and a cleaning roller having an elongated cylindrical length connected to the actuator assembly. The cleaning head also includes a computer processor connected to the actuator assembly and a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium that causes the computer processor to map the environment based on sensor data captured by the autonomous vacuum. The computer processor may determine an optimal height for the cleaning head based on the map and instruct the actuator assembly to adjust the height of the cleaning head.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner has a housing, a fan in the housing generating a suction air flow, an electric fan motor driving the fan, a dirt separator on the housing for separating dirt particles from the suction air flow, and a nozzle assembly. A suction pipe connects the housing to the nozzle assembly for drawing the suction air flow through the nozzle assembly. An external energy-storage unit on the suction pipe is connectable with the fan motor.

Abstract: In order to solve the problem of the present invention, an artificial intelligence vacuum cleaner for performing autonomous traveling, according to one embodiment of the present invention, comprises: a main body; a driving unit for moving the main body within a cleaning area; a camera for photographing an area around the main body; and a control unit for controlling, on the basis of an image captured by means of the camera, the driving unit such that a predetermined traveling mode is performed, wherein the control unit performs a first recognition process for determining whether the image corresponds to any one of multiple types of obstacles, performs a second recognition process for re-determining whether the image corresponds to any one obstacle type in order to verify the result of the first recognition process, and controls the driving unit on the basis of the obstacle type determined through the first and second recognition processes such that the main body travels in a preset pattern.

Abstract: A surface cleaning apparatus includes a proximity-triggered user interface, and configured to provide one or more indicia to a user based on the proximity of the user to the surface cleaning apparatus. The surface cleaning apparatus can be provided with one or more proximity sensors, and the user interface is configured to receive input from the one or more proximity sensors and provide one or more indicia to the user based on the input.

Abstract: An autonomous cleaning robot (e.g., an autonomous vacuum) may use a sensor system to map an environment that may be used to determine where to clean. The autonomous vacuum receives visual data about the environment and determines a ground plane of the environment based on the visual data. The autonomous vacuum detects objects within the environment based on the ground plane. For each object, the autonomous vacuum segments a three-dimensional (3D) representation of the object out of the visual data and determines whether the object is static or dynamic. The autonomous vacuum adds static objects to a long-term level of a map of the environment and dynamic objects to an intermediate level of the map. The autonomous vacuum may further add virtual borders, flags, walls, and messes to the map.

Abstract: A dishwasher may include a washing chamber including a sump. The dishwasher may further include a water inlet tank configured to accommodate water for use in a wash cycle in the washing chamber, a water inlet conduit configured to supply water to the water inlet tank, and a drain pump including an inlet and an outlet, wherein the inlet is fluidly connected to the sump. The dishwasher may include a drain conduit fluidly connected to the outlet of the drain pump and a heat exchanger configured to exchange heat between the drain conduit and the water inlet conduit.

Abstract: Provided is a dishwasher having an improved structure capable of selecting whether to spray wash water. The dishwasher includes a washing tub, a basket provided in the washing tub to accommodate dishware, a duct provided in the washing tub to be supplied with wash water, a sub-duct mounted on the basket to guide the wash water, a connection pipe connected to the sub-duct, and a spray nozzle coupled to the connection pipe to be rotatable from a first position where the connection pipe is open and a second position where the connection pipe is closed.

Abstract: A dishwasher appliance includes a sump that defines a transition fill level where the cross sectional area of the sump increases. A pressure sensor is operably coupled to the sump for monitoring sump pressure and wash fluid level. A controller opens a water supply valve to provide a flow of water into the sump and monitors the sump pressure using the pressure sensor. The controller determines when the water has reached the transition fill level corresponding to a known transition fill volume. The controller determines a fill flow rate based on the amount of time needed to reach the transition fill volume and uses the fill flow rate to determine a remaining fill time needed to reach a target volume.

Abstract: A system and method for adjusting a dishwasher rack in a dishwasher includes a base, a slider and a lock for raising and lowering a dishwasher basket between an up and down position, respectively. The slider is connected in a fixed engagement with the dishwasher basket. The base includes two or more rollers for engagement with dishwasher slide rails and is slideably engaged relative to the slider. The lock is biased into a locked position when the base is fully upwardly extended relative to the slider and is released to permit the basket to be lowered downwardly.

Abstract: An operating assembly for use with a sink or bathtub having at least one fluid-holding basin and a basin drain includes an actuator and a housing. The housing includes a plug structure at, or near, a bottom portion of the housing for selectively blocking the basin drain and a drain valve comprising an inlet adjacent a bottom portion of the housing controlled by the actuator to be in an open position or a closed position. The inlet of the drain valve is provided on a first side of the housing, and the outlet of the drain valve is provided on a second side of the housing opposite the first side and directs fluid into the plug structure. The plug structure mates with the basin drain to prevent fluid in the basin from escaping into the drain other than through the drain valve.

Abstract: A three-dimensional information generation unit generates a three-dimensional map (D(X, Y, Z)) (three-dimensional information) regarding a surgical field, based on a surgical field image (K(x, y)) captured by an imaging device. A region-of-interest setting unit (setting unit) then sets at least one region-of-interest in the surgical field image (K(x, y)) captured at a predetermined timing. Based on the three-dimensional map (D(X, Y, Z)) and the position of the region-of-interest set by the region-of-interest setting unit, a region-of-interest estimation unit (estimation unit) estimates an existence position of the region-of-interest from within the surgical field image (K(x, y)) captured at a timing different from the predetermined timing.

Abstract: A medical image processing apparatus includes an image processor configured to: receive a plurality of first image data captured at different times and generated by illumination of light in a first wavelength band in sequence; receive a plurality of second image data captured at different times and generated by illumination of light in a second wavelength band different from the first wavelength band in sequence; generate first and second images based on the received first and second image data, respectively; and output the generated first image and second image to a display in chronological order of the first and second images and in accordance with a preset display pattern of the first and second images.

Abstract: An anoscope and obturator apparatus is described for the diagnosis and/or treatment of identify anorectal concerns or diseases. The anoscope apparatus includes a narrow end and a wide end that is connected via a body, and the narrow end contains an opening that is adjacent to a slot. The wide end contains a lip and at least one handle that is aligned with the slot and that projects radially outward away from the lip and also curves away radially and axially from the wide end. If there are multiple handles, then one of them can include a tab that indicates alignment with the slot. The obturator includes a tip, an arm, and a body that that have circular elements that improve plastic weld or snap together manufacturability.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a coil sheath is provided which is formed by spirally winding a wire and having a plurality of unit loops arranged side by side in a direction of an axis, wherein each unit loop includes a plurality of non-circular loops each having a long axis portion and a short axis portion, a dimension of the long axis portion is longer than a short axis portion of the other loops, and, in front view seen in an axial direction, each unit loop includes a central space including the axis and a plurality of peripheral spaces located around the central space.

Abstract: An Albarran module, a drive body, and a method for bracing a pull wire, by which method at least one pull wire can be braced in a simple and reliable manner by a tensioning means for bracing the at least one pull wire is connectable to a drive body of the Albarran module parallel to a longitudinal axis of a shaft. The Albarran module has an Albarran lever at a distal end of a shaft. The Albarran lever is actuatable via a toggle on a main body of the Albarran module. For this purpose, the lever is coupled mechanically to the toggle by pull wires along the shaft. In known Albarran modules, the fitting and bracing of these pull wires proves complicated and laborious.

Abstract: A wireless camera system includes a wireless camera for use in endoscopic procedures. The wireless camera can releasably couple with an endoscope (e.g., with a cordless disposable endoscope). The wireless camera can wirelessly transmit data to a controller, which can provide data output (e.g., snapshot images, video recording captured by the wireless camera) to an electronic display and to one or more data outputs (e.g., USB drive or other portable memory stick, to a remote computer or computer network, hard disk, compact flash drive, email, etc.).

Abstract: Cleaning tools and associated methods for cleaning lumens of medical devices are provided. An embodiment of the cleaning tool comprises an elongated core, two scrubbers attached to the elongated core, and a wiper attached to the elongated core. The wiper is axially disposed between the two scrubbers. The cleaning tool may be used to clean the lumen prior to decontamination of the lumen.

Abstract: An integrated endoscope cleansing system (IECS) comprises both an independent cleansing system (ICS) evacuation conduit in communication with an independent cleansing system working station (IWS), and an endoscope insertion tube with a working channel functionally coupled to a vacuum source, under control of an endoscope working station (EWS). In some embodiments, the ICS evacuation conduit is located within the insertion tube, while being functionally coupled to an ICS vacuum source, controlled by the IWS.

Abstract: An apparatus (100, 200, 300, 400) for testing a subject's vision and a method of reducing intensity artefacts during a test of a subject's eye (109) are provided. The apparatus comprises: a light source arrangement (102) located towards a source end (104) of the apparatus, and arranged to produce polarized light; and one or more panels (108a, 108b, 108c), the one or more panels comprising one or more blocking regions that do not transmit polarized light, and defining one or more light transmitting regions (111), the one or more light transmitting regions (111) being just large enough to allow unobscured vision by the subject's eye of polarized light travelling directly from the light source arrangement when the subject's eye is positioned adjacent to a viewing end (106) of the apparatus, the one or more panels being located between the light source arrangement and the subject's eye.

Abstract: The invention relates to an OCT system, comprising: an OCT light source for emitting OCT light into an object beam path and a reference beam path; and a detector for capturing an interference signal produced from the object beam path and the reference beam path. A wavelength-dependent beamsplitter is arranged in the OCT beam path such that a first spectral partial beam is guided along a longer path and a second spectral partial beam is guided along a shorter path. The invention further relates to a corresponding OCT method. Two measurement regions separated from each other can be sensed by means of the OCT system according to the invention.

Abstract: A visual performance examination device includes a display control unit that displays an indicator at each of a plurality of positions in a display screen of a display device; an image data obtaining unit that obtains an image data of eyes of a test subject, which are irradiated with a detection light emitted from a light source; a position calculating unit that, based on the image data, calculates a position data of corneal reflexes of the eyes when each of a plurality of indicators displayed at the positions in the display screen is shown; and an evaluating unit that, based on relative positions of the indicators and relative positions of the corneal reflexes, outputs evaluation data about visual performance of the test subject.

Abstract: An ophthalmic examination method using VR according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes: providing an ophthalmic examination setting interface inputting a user setting for the ophthalmic examination; selecting and progressing a first ophthalmic examination in accordance with the ophthalmic examination setting interface; controlling a head mounted display to output a VR image for the first ophthalmic examination; acquiring examination data according to the VR image from the head mounted display; and outputting an ophthalmic examination progress image for an examiner for the first ophthalmic examination. As described above, since a head mounted display device for an eye examination of the present disclosure can perform various ophthalmic examinations digitally, there is an effect that it is possible to accurately and quickly determine ophthalmic examinations.

Abstract: Provided is a diagnosis system for anterior eye diseases. An image obtainer obtains an anterior eye image of an image obtainer configured to obtain an anterior eye image of a subject. A characteristic extractor extracts characteristic information of the obtained anterior eye image on the basis of a machine-learning model. A disease analyzer determines whether or not an anterior eye of the subject has a disease and classifying a disease class according to the extracted characteristic information.

Abstract: A fundus illumination system includes an eye-tracking system, an illumination source, a lens system, and a control module. The eye-tracking system is configured to track movements of an eye and the illumination source includes an array of light sources that selectively emit illumination light. The lens system is disposed between the illumination source and the eye to direct the illumination light to illuminate a fundus of the eye. The control module is communicatively coupled to the eye-tracking system and the illumination source, and selectively enables at least one light source of the array of light sources based on the movements of the eye to maintain illumination of the fundus.

Abstract: Introduced here are techniques to accurately and efficiently generate an image indicative of a fundus. An imaging device engaged to an ophthalmology device, such as an indirect ophthalmoscope, may capture a series of images of a fundus. The series of images may be segmented to identify a region of interest (ROI) representing the fundus in each image. The segmented series of images may be projected onto a coordinate space to remove any distortion in each of the series of images. The projected segmented series of images may be combined into an output fundus image. As a result, the output fundus image may remove distortion and glare included in the input images. The output fundus image may be utilized in detection and diagnosis of various conditions and diseases.

Abstract: Disclosed is a fluorescent fundus camera which is one kind of ophthalmological diagnostic equipment, using a blue excitation light beam when a contrast medium appears in the retinal vessels. When an abnormal blood vessel is present, the contrast medium leaks into the retina or appears as color in tissues surrounding the retina, and the presence of damage to the retina and the appearance of abnormal neovascularization can be found.

Abstract: A spectrally adjustable ocular photosensitivity analyzer (SAOPA) is capable of emulating light sources common in everyday environments. An array of multiple light sources generates the desired spectra at intensities that are sufficient to elicit an uncomfortable level of photostress or light discomfort in normal human subjects sufficient to identify, and preferably quantify, a visual photosensitivity threshold of a human subject.

Abstract: A spectrally adjustable ocular photosensitivity analyzer (SAOPA) is capable of emulating light sources common in everyday environments. An array of multiple light sources generates the desired spectra at intensities that are sufficient to elicit an uncomfortable level of photostress or light discomfort in normal human subjects sufficient to identify, and preferably quantify, a visual photosensitivity threshold of a human subject.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are presented for non-contact in-vivo measurement of one or more properties of a cornea or tear film with spatial resolution. In certain embodiments the cornea/tear film is probed at substantially normal incidence with a converging array of beamlets from a multi-wavelength optical source, and the reflected light analysed interferometrically to generate a time sequence of pachymetry maps. Thickness variations arising from differences between the external and intraocular pressure, e.g. from the ocular pulse or externally applied pressure changes, are measured and analysed to obtain information on a biomechanical response of the cornea. In preferred embodiments the time variation in tear film thickness is measured and subtracted to yield normalised pachymetry data for the biomechanical analysis. In certain embodiments the apparatus is configured to measure the dynamics and profile of the tear film, using either converging or substantially parallel arrays of beamlets.

Abstract: Some embodiments include processing data via an executable file on a monitor to reduce the dimensionality of the data being transmitted over the wireless network. The output of the executable file also encrypts the data before being transmitted wireless to a remote server. The remote server receives the transmitted data and makes likelihood inferences based on the recorded data.

Abstract: A mote includes an optical receiver that wirelessly receives a power and data signal in form of NIR light energy within a patient and converts the NIR light energy to an electrical signal having a supply voltage. A control module supplies the supply voltage to power devices of the mote. A clock generation circuit locks onto a target clock frequency based on the power and data signal and generates clock signals. A data recovery circuit sets parameters of one of the devices based on the power and data signal and a first clock signal. An amplifier amplifies a neuron signal detected via an electrode inserted in tissue of the patient. A chip identifier module, based on a second clock signal, generates a recorded data signal based on a mote chip identifier and the neuron signal. A driver transmits the recorded data signal via a LED or a RF transmitter.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems, devices, and methods for remotely measuring one or more vital signs of a patient, securely storing and communicating the resulting vital sign data, and configuring the vital sign data for secure access by a healthcare provider computer system to enable remote monitoring of the patients vital signs. One or more vital sign monitoring devices detect patient vital signs and securely transmit the resulting vital sign data to an external computer device such as the patients smart phone or abase station computer device. The external computer device communicates with a server system, such as a secure cloud storage system, which configures the vital sign measurement data and received patient identification data and makes it accessible to one or more healthcare provider computer systems.