Abstract: Systems for controlled heating and/or agitation for liquid food or beverage product creation are disclosed. A dispenser for producing a food or beverage liquid product from a frozen contents in a receptacle includes a chamber configured to hold a receptacle containing the contents and a dilution liquid inlet configured to supply a dilution liquid to the interior of the receptacle. The dispenser also includes a perforator configured to perforate the receptacle and form a product outlet from the receptacle for the liquid product and an agitator configured to impart motion to the receptacle and/or the contents in the receptacle that increases a flow path from the liquid inlet to the product outlet taken by at least a portion of dilution liquid, when supplied, relative to a flow path from the liquid inlet to the product outlet taken by the portion of dilution liquid without the imparted motion.

Abstract: In an embodiment, an automatic food preparation and serving apparatus comprises: a digital electronics storage controller configured to send signals representing an order input; a storage apparatus comprising a plurality of temperature-control regions and configured to hold one or more magazines in the plurality of temperature-control regions, each of the one or more magazines configured to store a plurality of food canisters, and configured to regulate temperature of contents in the plurality of food canisters in the plurality of temperature-control regions; a canister transport mechanism configured to transport the plurality of food canisters away from the storage apparatus; a food dispensing mechanism configured to receive the plurality of food canisters transported away from the storage apparatus and to dispense one or more ingredients stored in one or more of the plurality of food canisters according to the signals from the digital electronics storage controller.

Abstract: Food cooking appliance comprising: a centrifugal turbine arranged to create an air flow inside a cooking space, a steam extraction window arranged so as to extract, toward the exterior of the appliance, steam present inside the cooking space, wherein the extraction window has, at every point on its passageway surface, a normal direction with at least one non-zero component along a tangential direction to a circle centered on the centrifugal turbine and passing to the center of the extraction window.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a grill system is provided. The grill system can include a grill assembly and a side assembly. The grill assembly can include a grill cart and a burner box coupled to a top portion of the grill cart. The side assembly is coupled to the grill assembly. The side assembly can include a side cart. The side cart includes a vertical support member and a slidable locking member disposed on the vertical support member. The side cart is transitionable between a folded state and an upright state. The slidable locking member is configured to slide along the vertical support member when the side cart is transitioned between the folded state and the upright state. The slidable locking member is further configured to lock the side cart into the upright state. Other embodiments are also included herein.

Abstract: Provided is a household electrical appliance for cooking and/or reheating food including: a housing having a tank arranged such as to receive the food to be cooked and/or reheated; a removable cover arranged such as to close the tank while cooking and/or reheating; at least one heating element and a fan arranged such as to create a closed hot air flow while cooking and/or reheating; and a ventilation sheath that includes a suction inlet, arranged on one side of the tank, and a ventilation outlet above the tank. Said ventilation sheath is arranged such as to direct the hot air flow onto the food while cooking and/or reheating. Said appliance is characterized in that the ventilation sheath is in one piece and separated from the cover.

Abstract: A blender system includes a blender base, a container and a blade assembly. The container is attached to the blender base. The blade assembly is attached to the container. The blender base includes a motor. The motor drives the blade assembly. The blade assembly includes a shaft and a blade. A gasket is positioned about the shaft. The gasket seals the shaft and the blade from a cavity of the container.

Abstract: A stand mixer arrangement includes a pedestal for a mixing bowl; an electric motor and a drive system including a rotary drive outlet disposed overhead of the bowl, capable of imparting a mixing action to a tool suspended into the bowl from a socket supported by said drive outlet; and illumination means encircling, or substantially encircling, said drive outlet and arranged to direct light into the mixing bowl.

Abstract: A grating device is for grating a substantially solid product capable of being grated. A first housing of the grating device is positioned, shaped and sized for encasing the product to be grated. A second housing is operatively connectable to the first housing, the second housing having a loading section configured for receiving the product to be grated. A grating drum is rotatably mountable about the second housing, and positioned, shaped and sized for grating the product from the loading section of the second housing via rotation of the grating drum against the product. A biasing assembly is operatively cooperable with the first housing for biasing the product to be grated inside the loading section of the second housing towards and against the grating drum.

Abstract: A cooking apparatus that combines microwave based heating/cooking with either of blender/mixer grinder functionality and traditional cooking using open flame and/or induction cooking is disclosed. The cooking apparatus comprises a lid and at least one microwave producing device coupled to the lid. A lifting and lowering mechanism carries the lid and microwave producing device at a lower end for enabling vertically raising and lowering the lid along with the coupled microwave producing device. Upper end of lifting and lowering mechanism is slidably configured with a lower side of a chimney. Lid in lowered position gets operatively coupled with a container holding a food item. The container can be one for cooking food using conventional source of heat, or a container for preparatory operations such as blending, stirring, grinding and mixing. Coupling of the lid with the containers enables heating of the contents of the container through the microwaves generated by the at least one microwave producing device.

Abstract: An illuminated shower handle assembly for dimly illuminating a bathroom at night includes a handle that is positionable in a recess of a shower stall in a residential bathroom. The handle can be gripped during showering and the handle is comprised of a translucent material. A light emitter is integrated into the handle and the light emitter illuminates the handle when the light emitter is turned on. In this way the handle acts as a night light for dimly illuminating the residential bathroom at night.

Abstract: A hygiene maintenance wristband is an apparatus that allows a user to easily maintain the hygiene while on-the-go. The apparatus includes a band, a first casing, a second casing, a solution dispenser, and a clasp mechanism. The band attaches the first casing and the second casing around the wrist of a user. The first casing houses the solution dispenser. The clasp mechanism is integrated within the second casing in order to connect and disconnect the band. The clasp mechanism also adjusts the overall length of the band around a wrist. The apparatus further includes a dispenser-release mechanism so that the solution dispenser may be released from the first casing. The apparatus preferably includes a portable computing device as well in order to further monitor the wellbeing of the user. The apparatus further includes a floss-dispensing mechanism in order to maintain oral hygiene.

Abstract: A toothpaste rolling assembly for squeezing toothpaste from a tube of toothpaste includes a key that has a slot extending therethrough to receive an end of a toothpaste tube thereby facilitating the toothpaste tube to be wrapped around the key. A gear is positionable around the key and a sleeve is slidable over the key. The sleeve has a slot therein to accommodate the toothpaste tube when the sleeve is slid over the key. The sleeve has a pair of lobes thereon and each of the lobes releasably engages the gear for retaining the sleeve at various points of rotation about the key. In this way the sleeve can be continually rotated on the key for squeezing toothpaste out of the toothpaste tube.

Abstract: A device can include one or more inputs, which, in operation, receive one or more signals indicative of toilet-lid positions and one or more signals indicative of user-toilet proximity; and control circuitry coupled to the one or more inputs. The control circuitry can, in operation, determine a position of a toilet lid based on the one or more signals indicative of toilet-lid positions; respond to a determination that the toilet lid is in a closed position by entering a power-save mode of operation; and respond to a determination that the toilet lid is not in a closed position by selectively generating, based on the one or more signals indicative of user-toilet proximity, toilet-lid-actuator control signals to cause a toilet-lid-actuator to move the toilet lid toward a closed position. Related methods and systems are also provided.

Abstract: A handle assembly has a first handle with first and second end regions connected to and fixed relative to first and second mounts on a wall, respectively. A second handle extends longitudinally between third and fourth end regions, with the third end region connected to the first end region of the first handle. The first and second handles each have surfaces for grasping by a user. A position of the second grab bar is adjustable relative to the first grab bar by at least one of one of pivoting the second grab bar about the longitudinal axis of the first grab bar, pivoting the second grab bar about a horizontal axis adjacent to the first end region of the first grab bar, and sliding the second grab bar along the first grab bar. A method of installing the handle assembly is also provided.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner is provided with a cleaner main body having an electric blower and a handle. The handle is shaped such that a gravity center position of the cleaner main body remains substantially unchanged in a state in which any one region is gripped.

Abstract: In a dust station, a suction part is connected selectively to one of a first suction port and a second suction port. In a state where the first suction port is connected to the suction part, a dust-collecting control unit drives the suction part and also automatically stops the suction part after elapsing of a first specified period of time. In a state where the second suction port is connected to the suction part, the dust-collecting control unit drives the suction part, and enables stopping the suction part through specified operation and also stops the suction part automatically when the suction part is not stopped even after elapsing of a second specified period of time or longer in a state where the suction part is driven, the second specified period of time being different from the first specified period of time.

Abstract: A central vacuum cleaning system includes an inlet valve mounted at various locations in a structure or RV and connected to the inlet end of a vacuum conduit. A section of hose is slidably mounted within the conduit and extends from the inlet valve for cleaning an adjacent area. The hose includes a hose plug connected with a distal end of the hose. The hose plug includes an annular channel and an orthogonally aligned slot. The hose plug may also include a first seal and a second seal.

Abstract: A robotic vacuum (1) includes a main body (2) having a suction port (15) in a bottom surface (2B) thereof; a storage unit (6) housed in the main body and configured to store dust and debris suctioned in via the suction port (15); and at least one wheel (9) that supports the main body (2). The main body (2) has a width Wb in a first direction that is parallel to a rotational axis (AX) of the wheel (9), the storage unit (6) has a width Ws in the first direction, the main body (2) has a height Hb in a second direction that is perpendicular to the rotational axis (AX) and perpendicular to the first direction, and the storage unit (6) has a height Hs in the second direction. The width Wb is 470-600 mm, and the condition 0.5×Wb?Ws?0.7×Wb is satisfied.

Abstract: A nozzle for a cleaner has a nozzle housing, and first and second rotation cleaning units arranged on a lower side of the nozzle housing and spaced apart from each other. Each of the first and second rotation cleaning units includes a rotation plate coupled to a mop. The nozzle includes a first driving device having a first driving motor to drive the first rotation cleaning unit. The nozzle also includes a second driving device having a second driving motor to drive the second rotation cleaning unit. Further, the nozzle has a water tank mounted on the nozzle housing to store water. The nozzle housing includes driving unit covers arranged to surround each of the driving devices. At least one of the driving unit covers includes a first protruding surface, and a second protruding surface positioned higher than the first protruding surface.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner bag assembly is adapted to be removably disposed within a tank of a vacuum cleaner, and the bag assembly includes a panel assembly made from a first material and forming an enclosure having an interior volume, and an aperture extends through the panel assembly. A shield member may be disposed within the interior volume and secured to one or more portions of the panel assembly, and the shield member may comprise a second material that is different than the first material. The shield member is adapted to protect a portion of the panel assembly when the vacuum cleaner bag assembly is disposed within the tank.

Abstract: A cleaner includes: a suction motor that generates a suction force; and an operation unit that is configured to input control instruction for the suction motor. The operation unit includes: a support frame; a first push part that is rotatably seated on the support frame and allows an instruction to turn on or off the suction motor to be input when being rotated in a first direction; and a second push part that allows the intensity of the suction force of the suction motor to be adjusted when being rotated in a second direction.

Abstract: A surface cleaning apparatus includes a housing including an upright handle assembly and a base mounted to the upright handle assembly and adapted for movement across a surface to be cleaned. The surface cleaning apparatus is further provided with a fluid delivery system comprising a fluid dispenser configured to dispense fluid to a brushroll and at least one fluid delivery channel forming a portion of a fluid delivery pathway. The fluid delivery channel can extend adjacent to a portion of the suction nozzle assembly. An interference wiper interfaces with a portion of the brushroll to remove excess liquid from the brushroll.

Abstract: A surface cleaning apparatus includes a housing including an upright handle assembly and a base mounted to the upright handle assembly and adapted for movement across a surface to be cleaned. The surface cleaning apparatus is further provided with a fluid delivery system comprising a fluid dispenser configured to dispense fluid to a brushroll and at least one fluid delivery channel forming a portion of a fluid delivery pathway. The fluid delivery channel can extend adjacent to a portion of the suction nozzle assembly. An interference wiper interfaces with a portion of the brushroll to remove excess liquid from the brushroll.

Abstract: A surface cleaning apparatus includes a housing including an upright handle assembly and a base mounted to the upright handle assembly and adapted for movement across a surface to be cleaned. The surface cleaning apparatus is further provided with a fluid delivery system comprising a fluid dispenser configured to dispense fluid to a brushroll and at least one fluid delivery channel forming a portion of a fluid delivery pathway. The fluid delivery channel can extend adjacent to a portion of the suction nozzle assembly. An interference wiper interfaces with a portion of the brushroll to remove excess liquid from the brushroll.

Abstract: A surface cleaning apparatus includes a housing including an upright handle assembly and a base mounted to the upright handle assembly and adapted for movement across a surface to be cleaned. The surface cleaning apparatus is further provided with a fluid delivery system comprising a fluid dispenser configured to dispense fluid to a brushroll and at least one fluid delivery channel forming a portion of a fluid delivery pathway. The fluid delivery channel can extend adjacent to a portion of the suction nozzle assembly. An interference wiper interfaces with a portion of the brushroll to remove excess liquid from the brushroll.

Abstract: A surface cleaning apparatus includes a housing including an upright handle assembly and a base mounted to the upright handle assembly and adapted for movement across a surface to be cleaned. The surface cleaning apparatus is further provided with a fluid delivery system comprising a fluid dispenser configured to dispense fluid to a brushroll and at least one fluid delivery channel forming a portion of a fluid delivery pathway. The fluid delivery channel can extend adjacent to a portion of the suction nozzle assembly. An interference wiper interfaces with a portion of the brushroll to remove excess liquid from the brushroll.

Abstract: A surface cleaning apparatus adapted for movement across a surface to be cleaned. The surface cleaning apparatus can dock within a storage tray and charge a power supply. Electrical contacts on the surface cleaning apparatus and the storage tray can be shielded when the surface cleaning apparatus is not docked within the storage tray. Furthermore, the storage tray can include a reservoir for a self-cleaning mode.

Abstract: The present application relates to a robot cleaner. The robot cleaner of the present application includes: a main body which forms an external shape; a moving mechanism which moves the main body; a bumper which is positioned to protrude from an outer periphery of the main body; an impact sensor which is positioned obliquely in the main body to detect movement of the bumper; and a pressing unit having a curved end portion which presses the impact sensor, when the bumper moves.

Abstract: The present invention provides a mop head comprising: a mop head frame formed with a plurality of concave connecting portion, a narrow connecting portion of each concave connecting portion includes a first set of protruding elements, a first hollow portion, a second set of protruding elements and a second hollow portion; and a cleaning member. The first set of protruding elements and second set of protruding elements of the narrow connecting portion clamp the cleaning member. The first hollow portion and the second hollow portion provide space that allows the cleaning member be firmly punched in concave connecting portion without damaging the narrow connecting portion by a punch.

Abstract: A water discharge control structure of a washing bucket capable of separating clean water from dirty water for washing a cleaning tool includes: a washing bucket body and a water storage tank, wherein the washing bucket body is internally provided with a lifting frame fitted with the cleaning tool, and the lifting frame is driven by the cleaning tool to be lifted and lowered relative to the washing bucket body; the water storage tank is connected to the washing bucket body and has a water outlet directing to the cleaning tool, a discharge of water of the water outlet is controlled by a plug, and when the lifting frame is in a high position, the lifting frame drives the plug to block the water outlet; and when the lifting frame is in a low position, the lifting frame drives the plug in a linked manner to open the water outlet.

Abstract: A dishwasher may include a sump configured to store water, a main arm disposed at the sump and configured to supply water from the sump, an auxiliary arm rotatably disposed at the main arm and configured to spray water, and an auxiliary arm connection member disposed at the main arm and configured to rotatably support the auxiliary arm, where the auxiliary arm may include an auxiliary flow passage configured to allow water flow through the auxiliary arm, where the main arm may include a transfer flow passage in fluid communication with the auxiliary flow passage, where the auxiliary arm connection member may include a flow tube disposed at the main arm in fluid communication with the transfer flow passage and the auxiliary flow passage.

Abstract: A dishwasher, in particular a household dishwasher, includes a mechanism for modifying odor. The mechanism for modifying odor includes an ozone generator for odor neutralization in a dishwasher cavity and a system for fragrance introduction into the dishwasher cavity. A control device has stored therein a process, which firstly provides for the odor neutralization by the ozone generator and then introduction of a new fragrance by the system for fragrance introduction.

Abstract: A control box for a sprayer system is provided. The control box may include a wash flow path, a wash flow solenoid disposed in the wash flow path, a detergent supply assembly disposed in wash flow path, a rinse flow path, a rinse flow solenoid disposed in the rinse flow path, a common flow path, a flow switch disposed in the common flow path, an alternating relay, and a connection valve leading to a discharge flow path. The flow switch may be configured to provide a signal to the alternating relay. The alternating relay may be configured to control both the wash flow solenoid and the rinse flow solenoid. The connection valve may receive both the wash flow path and the rinse flow path. In another embodiment, a sprayer system including a control box and a sprayer unit is provided.

Abstract: The present invention is a cleaning tool for dispensing foam. The cleaning tool includes a handle having a working end and a holding end, a cleaning head attached to the working end of the handle, a foaming mechanism, and an actuator to displace volume within the foaming mechanism. The foaming mechanism includes a chamber, an air pocket, an air tube having an air inlet, a fluid inlet, a fluid reservoir, and a foaming pump.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and an apparatus for controlling a flexible manipulator including a plurality of bendable mechanisms via a control apparatus. The control apparatus includes a drive-mode selecting unit allows for the selection of a movement mode which may provide a bending movement, an angled view movement, or a remote center movement.

Abstract: A method for obtaining and processing image data by using a medical visual aid system including a monitor and an endoscope configured to be inserted into a body cavity and having an image capturing device and a light emitting device, the method including illuminating a field of view of the image capturing device with the light emitting device, capturing the image data using the image capturing device, providing a non-linear scaling model adapted to the body cavity, adjusting the image data by applying the non-linear scaling model such that adjusted image data is formed, and presenting the adjusted image data on the monitor.

Abstract: A medical camera system includes a video medical scope defining an enclosed space within a distal portion and a proximal portion that a user can attach and detach to each other. The two portions both have an interface for coupling to each other allowing radio frequency communications across a patient isolation barrier having improvements to avoid interfering with surrounding equipment. Power transfer elements provide for power transfer across the patient isolation barrier.

Abstract: Exemplary aspects of a medical instrument system are disclosed. The system may have a support frame movably coupled to a patient table, the support frame having a computer display support, and an endoscope holder, wherein the computer display support and the endoscope holder are coupled to move together as a single unit. In some aspects, the system includes a computer display device, and an endoscope, wherein the computer display device and the endoscope are coupled to the support frame to move together as a single unit, and the patient table, computer display device, and the endoscope are arranged along a common longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A connecting device through which a gas can flow, for connecting a port of a surgical instrument to a reprocessing device for cleaning the surgical instrument, the connecting device including: a self-actuating valve with a swellable material body.

Abstract: An endoscope assembly comprising a handle incorporating a liquid reservoir and injection system, a flexible or rigid cannula attaching to the handle, and a distally attached miniature imaging head. The imaging head is a transparent tubular shaped body having an essentially closed proximal end, and a tubular wall extending from the closed proximal end to the distal open end of the body. An optical source is attached to the closed proximal end, and its emitted illumination directed into the tubular wall of the body, such that said illumination is internally reflected within the tubular walls and is emitted from the distal open end. A detector array is disposed within the inner surfaces of the tubular wall section, and a lens images light reflected back into said imaging head, onto the detector array. The optical source is disposed radially inwards of the outer dimensions of the tubular shaped body.

Abstract: An endoscope cover includes: a cylindrical cover main body that is to be attached to a distal framing portion along a longitudinal axis of an insertion section, and that includes an annular portion which is to cover part of an outer periphery of the distal framing portion; and a fragile portion, at least part of which is provided on the annular portion of the cover main body. The cover main body is spaced apart from at least part of the distal framing portion, and forms a gap between the cover main body and the distal framing portion. The fragile portion is broken under application of an intended stress and configured to have a user recognize breakage of the fragile portion in cooperation with the gap.

Abstract: There are provided an endoscope in which adhesion strength between two optical members can be enhanced and an endoscope apparatus including the endoscope. An endoscope includes an insertion part that is to be inserted into a subject, a first unit that is built in a distal end portion of the insertion part and includes a prism, a second unit that is built in the distal end portion and includes a cover glass, an adhesive layer that is formed between the light-emitting surface of the prism and the surface of the cover glass and adheres the prism to the cover glass, and a resin layer that fills a gap larger than the thickness of the adhesive layer formed between the first unit and the second unit. The thermal expansion coefficient of the resin layer is set to 1/10 or less of the thermal expansion coefficient of the adhesive layer.

Abstract: A disposable cover for use with an endoscope includes an elongated sheath having and having an open proximal end and a closed distal end. A channel extends along a central axis of the sheath from the open proximal end to the closed distal end, and the channel is configured to accommodate insertion of an endoscope. A proximal region of the sheath is formed as a rigid thin-wall sleeve and a distal region of the sheath is formed as a flexible thin-wall sleeve. The flexible thin-wall sleeve is configured to allow deflection of said distal region in cooperation with an articulating distal end of an endoscope.

Abstract: A control apparatus includes a drive current detector detecting a drive current value driving the motor to drive a rotation body, and a controller controlling the motor in a speed control method which controls the motor so that a rotation speed of the motor reaches a targeted rotation speed until the drive current value reaches a predetermined switching value, and, when the drive current value reaches the switching value, controlling the motor by switching to a torque control method which controls the motor so that the drive current value reaches a targeted current value.

Abstract: An optical fiber scanning system includes: an optical fiber with a magnet; four drive coils configured to apply a drive magnetic field generated using a drive power signal to the magnet; four detection coils configured to output a detection signal in response to variation of a magnetic field; a controller configured to perform feedback control of the drive power signal; a signal output circuit configured to output a drive signal; a voltage-current conversion circuit configured to convert the drive signal to the drive power signal; and a correction circuit configured to output a magnet magnetic field signal by removing the drive magnetic field signal from the detection signal, and the controller controls the signal output circuit based on the magnet magnetic field signal.

Abstract: A method for determining a shape of a bendable instrument can include placing the bendable instrument in a neutral position; moving a first control element a first amount until slack is removed from the first control element; moving a second control element a second amount until slack is removed from the second control element; sensing a position of the first control element after moving the first control element the first amount, the sensed position of the first control element being defined as a first control element calibration position; sensing a position of the second control element after moving the second control element the second amount, the sensed position of the second control element being defined as a second control element calibration position.

Abstract: A curved tube for an endoscope includes: a curved tube body including a locked portion provided on an inner peripheral surface of the curved tube body; an operation wire configured to perform a bending operation of the curved tube body; a pipe member which is press-fitted to the operation wire and is locked to the locked portion of the curved tube body; and particles interposed between an outer peripheral surface of the operation wire and an inner peripheral surface of the pipe member. The particles are higher in hardness than materials forming the operation wire and the pipe member and are buried to dig into the outer peripheral surface of the operation wire and the inner peripheral surface of the pipe member.

Abstract: Driving an emitter to emit pulses of electromagnetic radiation according to a jitter specification in a hyperspectral, fluorescence, and laser mapping imaging system is described. A system includes an emitter for emitting pulses of electromagnetic radiation and an image sensor comprising a pixel array for sensing reflected electromagnetic radiation. The system includes a driver for driving emissions by the emitter according to a jitter specification. The system is h that at least a portion of the pulses of electromagnetic radiation emitted by the emitter comprises one or more of a hyperspectral emission, a fluorescence emission, and/or a laser mapping pattern.

Abstract: An endoscope system includes an imaging element, a voltage-current conversion circuit, a first coaxial cable, and an impedance conversion circuit. The imaging element generates a first voltage. The voltage-current conversion circuit is disposed inside or outside the imaging element and converts the first voltage into a first current. The first coaxial cable has a first conductor and a second conductor. The second conductor is disposed outside the first conductor. The first current is transmitted through the first conductor. The first current transmitted through the first conductor is input to the impedance conversion circuit. The impedance conversion circuit outputs a second current according to the first current. A second voltage according to the first current is input to the second conductor.

Abstract: An endoscope system includes an endoscope having an insertion portion. The endoscope is attached to the proximal end of the insertion portion. An image capturing module is attached to the distal-end portion of an insertion portion. The image capturing module includes a wiring board having a principal surface including first electrodes and second electrodes disposed thereon. An image capturing element includes respective photodetection and reverse surfaces. The reverse surface includes external electrodes and is connected to the first electrodes on the wiring board. A prism having an entrance surface to which light is applied, a reflection surface, and an exit surface in which the exit surface being bonded to the photodetection surface of the image capturing element. A support member is used to support the prism. A layered element including a plurality of elements is layered together and having an upper surface, a lower surface with element electrodes disposed thereon.