Abstract: A motorized induction cooking device has a housing including a top surface for supporting a variety of vessels used for chopping, blending, mixing, or heating beverages and food. The top surface has an opening A non-magnetic rotational spindle is rotationally mounted on the housing and below the opening and coupled to a motor. An induction coil is located within the housing and adjacent the top surface. The induction coil includes a winding surrounding the opening and has a central aperture through which the spindle is accessible.

Abstract: A portable beverage press mug is includes a vessel and a press head assembly. The press head assembly includes a screen (or filter) and a valve arrangement covering the screen. The valve arrangement is movable in response to fluid pressure to create a gap between the valve arrangement and the frame and permit fluid to pass through the screen and the gap.

Abstract: A machine for making an individual drink. The machine includes a pressure source, a store defining a plurality of housings, a plurality of removable containers each immobilized, in a service position, in a respective housing. Each container includes a receptacle containing an ingredient, and an upstream emptying valve allowing the ingredient to be caused to exit to the outside of the receptacle by an increased pressure generated inside the receptacle by the pressure source. The machine includes a chamber to receive the ingredients extracted from the containers, via the upstream emptying one-way valves, because of the increased pressure, so as to make the drink. The machine includes a control module able to command the increased pressures in the containers as a function of a desired composition for the drink.

Abstract: A griddle and a cooking appliance having a griddle are provided. The griddle may include a housing having an accommodation space formed therein and an open top, a heating plate formed to have a predetermined width and length and seated on a top of the housing, a burner provided in the housing to heat the heating plate, and a temperature sensor module provided in the housing to measure a temperature of the heating plate. The temperature sensor module may include a cover provided in the housing and having an accommodation space formed therein, and a temperature sensor provided in the housing with at least a portion thereof accommodated in the accommodation space of the cover to measure a temperature of an inside of the cover.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a cooking system for cooking food, the system including a housing defining a hollow chamber configured to receive a food container. The housing has an upper portion defining an opening to the hollow chamber. A food container having a hollow container interior is positionable within the hollow chamber. An end of the food container extends above the upper portion of the housing when the container is installed within the hollow chamber. A lid is moveably attached to the housing and is moveable between a first position that covers the upper portion of the housing and the opening to the hollow chamber when the food container is installed within the hollow chamber and a second position where the lid does not cover the opening to the hollow chamber. At least one heating element is associated with at least one of said lid and said housing.

Abstract: A barbeque grill scraper and related methods of use that utilize a scraping end formed of a heat-responsive material to remove char and other debris from the grilling surface. The grill scraper includes a conformable scraping edge formed of the heat-responsive material. As the conformable scraping edge is drawn back and forth along the heated grilling surface, a combination of pressure applied by a user as well as the heat of the grill surface results in the formation of individual grooves along the conformable scraping edge, wherein each groove is formed to match an upper profile of the grilling surface. Over time, the grooves fully conform to the upper profile of the grilling surface such that an entire cooking surface can be scraped clean of char and debris.

Abstract: An appliance includes a microwave oven and a toaster oven apparatus in combination, the toaster oven being contained entirely within the interior of the microwave oven.

Abstract: A food preparation appliance includes a food preparation pot, a rotatable tool for chopping food in the food preparation pot and a sensor, in particular for weight determination of a food in the food preparation pot. A control unit is provided and configured such that, when a food is comminuted by the tool, the control unit is able to determine, based on a sensor signal from the sensor, whether a predetermined chopping state of the food has been reached.

Abstract: A stirring tool for a kitchen appliance such as a food processor has a curved, inclined blade to lift food material from the base of the food processor bowl and turns it over. The tool comprises a shaft adapted to be driven in rotation by a drive outlet of the kitchen appliance, and a blade extending outwardly of the shaft at or adjacent a base thereof, the blade being shaped so as to lift food from a leading edge to a trailing edge thereof upon rotation of the blade, and the leading edge being shaped so as to urge food inwardly towards the shaft.

Abstract: A manual food processor includes a container with a removeable lid. The container includes a plurality of container undulations spaced along an upper portion of the container to form a seat. The lid is removably attachable to the container to enclose the interior space, and includes a food processing tool carried on a drive shaft. The lid further has a plurality of lid undulations which are complementary to and engageable with the plurality of container undulations, preventing the lid from rotating with respect to the container, and allowing removal of the lid without rotation of the lid.

Abstract: A method for operating an automated food making apparatus having a motor, actuator arm, and an apparatus. The apparatus may be a paddle with flexible fins. The method rotates the paddle with a pin-shaft mechanism to dispense an ingredient placed in a canister, controls the motor automatically based on weight sensor readings, and locates a position of the actuator arm with position sensors. The same motor dispenses ingredients from a plurality of canisters. The method may have a plurality of paddle rotation and weight measurement steps until a target weight is reached. The plurality of paddle rotation steps may be unidirectional or bidirectional paddle rotation. The paddle may be rotated according to one or more paddle rotation algorithms, an error recovery algorithm, or different algorithms based on the amounts of ingredients remaining in the canister. The paddle may be rocked until the target weight is achieved.

Abstract: Provided is a cutting board including a first board section, a second board section, and a hinge assembly pivotally coupling the first and second board sections together. The first board section has a first top surface, a first bottom surface, a first inner surface, a first outer surface, a first front surface, and a first rear surface and the second board section has a second top surface, a second bottom surface, a second inner surface, a second outer surface, a second front surface, and a second rear surface. The hinge assembly pivotally and removably couples the first and second board sections together such that the first and second inner surfaces face one another in an unfolded position and the first and second bottom surfaces face one another in a folded position.

Abstract: A system for a cookware lid holder including a mounting assembly, an arm adjusting assembly and a lid clamping assembly is disclosed. The mounting assembly allows securing of the system to any surface, primarily with the use of a clamp. Once the system is secured it is possible to adjust the positions and angles of the arm adjusting assembly as is most comfortable and suitable for a user. The arm adjusting assembly allows for customization in order to position lids of cooking pots to be held out of the way when storing or when cooking even. The lid clamping assembly permits for lids of predetermined dimensions to be secured and moved about with the arm adjusting assembly. The arm adjusting assembly includes a first and second holding arm that expand outwardly if need be. The lids can be moved freely while being held due to an arm pivot.

Abstract: An outdoor shower device includes a hollow water container, a gas bag disposed in the water container, and an inflating device configured to inflate the gas bag. The water container has a mouth, a water outlet pipe communicating with an inside of the water container, and a cover for tightly closing the mouth. An inside of the gas bag is in communication with the inflating device through a gas pip. When in use, the user pours water through the opening into the water container and inflates the gas bag by using the inflating device. As the gas bag is continuously inflated with gas, the water in the water container is discharged from the water outlet pipe for taking a comfortable shower.

Abstract: An elastic sleeve method and apparatus for use with a bar of soap to limit the surface area of the soap that is exposed, and reduce the rate of shrinkage of the bar of soap. The sleeve comprises a container of elastic material having a top, bottom, and an elastic opening for insertion of a soap cake. The elastic material has form-fitting dimensions adaptable to the shape of an underlying soap cake. The elastic material also has a plurality of apertures to provide atmospheric communication through the elastic sleeve to an inserted soap cake's surface.

Abstract: Methods, systems and apparatus for dynamically adjusting product use reporting schedules for dispensers to increase or decrease the frequency of such reports based on expected product use such as a date the dispenser is expected to be depleted.

Abstract: A dispenser having a feed roller that at least partially engages sheet material to facilitate dispensing thereof, and a cutting mechanism disposed within a chamber defined by a body of the feed roller. The cutting mechanism including a cutting blade and at least one movable support connected thereto. The at least one support further is operatively connected to the body of the feed roller and is actuated with rotation thereof to move the cutting blade into and out from one or more openings defined along the body of the feed roller to at least partially cut or perforate a selected portion of the sheet material as the sheet material is dispensed.

Abstract: A toilet brush assembly is disclosed. The toilet brush assembly includes a hollow shaft body having an upper end and a bottom end, the bottom end includes a partially perforated surface, the hollow shaft body is adapted to accept a solid cleaning agent through the upper end of the hollow shaft body; and a plurality of bristles, the plurality of bristles is attached to the bottom end of the hollow shaft body.

Abstract: A sheet dispensing apparatus to dispense sheets from a sheet material card having a plurality of sheets. The sheet dispensing apparatus includes a door, a door plate, a back plate, and a motor including a motor shaft, wherein the motor is operatively connected to the door plate, and a motor wheel is operatively connected to the motor shaft. The motor wheel is driven by the motor shaft to detach a sheet from the sheet material card. The apparatus further includes a first light pipe having a first end and a second end, wherein a signal transmitted at the first end of the first light pipe is received at the second end if the correct sheet material card is being used. A second light pipe receives a signal at the first end and receives the signal at the second end, if the sheet material card is not present or out of sheets.

Abstract: A dust collector includes a dust-collector main body, a coupling-hose part, an operation unit, and a belt or harness. The dust-collector main body serves to collect dust by generating a suction draft (partial vacuum). The dust-collector main body includes a housing, a motor, a dust-collection chamber, and at least one battery pack mount. The belt or harness is attached to the dust-collector main body and is designed for the user to carry the dust-collector main body on his or her back. The operation unit is connected to the dust-collector main body via an external, flexible cord. The operation unit includes one or more LEDs for illuminating the area to be cleaned and an ON/OFF switch for controlling operation of the motor.

Abstract: Vacuum cleaners to be mounted in a vehicle are disclosed. Some of the vacuum cleaners have a modular design that allows the vacuum cleaners to be arranged, assembled, and/or installed in different configurations and to fit in different spaces within the vehicle. Vacuum cleaners may include a vacuum module, a collector module, and/or a hose storage module. An interconnecting duct is configured to operatively couple the vacuum module and the collector module in any one of a plurality of different predefined assembly configurations. The collector module may have a debris canister that may be lifted straight out of a collector housing. The vacuum cleaner may be installed in a vehicle in a manner to allow easy removal of the debris canister without disconnecting and/or removing other portions of the vacuum cleaner.

Abstract: A cleaning roller mountable to a cleaning robot is featured. The cleaning roller includes an elongate member extending along a longitudinal axis of the cleaning roller, and a vane extending outward from the elongate member. The vane includes a first vane portion attached to the elongate member, and a second vane portion attached to the first vane portion. The first vane portion extends from the elongate member at a location intersecting a radial axis of the cleaning roller. The first vane portion extends along a first axis angled relative to the radial axis and away from the radial axis in a tangential direction. The second vane portion extends along a second axis angled relative to the first axis. A first angle between the first axis and the radial axis is greater than a second angle between the second axis and the radial axis.

Abstract: An apparatus for generating a vortex in a collection vessel of a vacuum cleaner, using a blade assembly rotatably mountable in the collection vessel. By rotating the blade assembly, a vortex is generated inside the collection vessel, and enough suction is created to draw air through the entire system. The use of a blade assembly to generate the vortex may remove the need for an impeller external to the collection vessel, as the blade assembly may be capable of creating enough suction to draw air into the collection vessel. This may allow the vacuum cleaner to operate with lower noise.

Abstract: The invention relates to a floor treatment system, comprising a mobile floor treatment apparatus and a docking station therefor, wherein the floor treatment apparatus has at least one liquid container with a container wall and a container interior, as well as at least one liquid conduit for providing a liquid for the container interior; wherein the docking station comprises a supply conduit which, in a docked position of the floor treatment apparatus on the docking station, is in fluidic connection with the at least one liquid conduit; wherein the floor treatment system comprises an opening device by way of which a wall portion of the container wall is movable, for clearing at least one container opening of the at least one liquid container, into an open position, and in the docked position of the floor treatment apparatus the liquid can exit from the container interior through the container opening.

Abstract: The present application provides an autonomous cleaning robot. The autonomous cleaning robot may include a main body and a cleaning assembly mounted on the main body. The cleaning assembly may include a first cleaning subassembly. The first cleaning subassembly is removable mounted on the main body. The first cleaning subassembly can be loaded into or unloaded from the main body in a forward and backward direction. The first cleaning subassembly of the autonomous cleaning robot is easy to be assembled.

Abstract: A moving robot is provided. The moving robot includes: a main body forming the exterior appearance; a moving means for moving the main body; a bumper configured to protrude on the outer perimeter of the main body; impact sensors placed at an angle on the main body to sense the movement of the bumper; and pressure parts formed in a bent shape at the end of the impact sensors.

Abstract: Disclosed is a cleaner comprising a cleaner body, a front wheel rotatably provided in a front portion of the cleaner body, a rear wheel rotatably provided in a rear portion of the cleaner body, a first member attached to an outer circumferential surface of the front wheel and configured to contact with a cleaning object surface, a second member attached to an outer circumferential surface of the rear wheel and configured to contact with the cleaning object surface, a front motor rotating the front wheel, a rear motor rotating the rear wheel and a controller driving the front motor and the rear motor, wherein the controller controls the front motor and the rear motor to become rotated in the opposite directions while cleaning is performed.

Abstract: The present disclosure discloses a cleaning robot, including a water tank, a dust box, and a main body. The water tank and the dust box are assembled together to form a water tank dust box assembly. The main body includes an accommodating space adapted to accommodate the water tank dust box assembly. The water tank dust box assembly includes a mistake-proofing device. The mistake-proofing device, when the water tank and the dust box are not assembled to form the water tank dust box assembly, is in an ejected state so that the water tank or the dust box cannot be installed into the accommodating space.

Abstract: A combined robot includes a self-moving robot and a functional module, in which the functional module is detachably combined into the self-moving robot through a connecting piece. Driving wheels and a driven wheel are disposed at a bottom of a machine body of the self-moving robot. By taking an advancing direction when the self-moving robot operates as a forward direction, the driving wheels are located on a left side and a right side of the bottom of the machine body. The driven wheel is located at a front end or a rear end of the bottom of the machine body. A control center is disposed in the combined robot and controls the combined robot to operate. One end away from the driven wheel of the bottom of the machine body of the self-moving robot is a supporting end, and floating supporting mechanisms are disposed at the supporting end.

Abstract: A wet-cleaning appliance, in particular a wet mop, has a cleaning roller, which is mounted in a rotatable manner about a roller axis, and having a roller cover, which encloses the cleaning roller in the circumferential direction, at least in part, and has at least one movable covering element for optionally closing and/or releasing an opening region of the roller cover. In order to prevent residual liquid contained in the roller cover from dripping from the wet-cleaning appliance when the roller cover is opened, the movable covering element has a collecting unit, in particular a collecting container, which has a storage volume for collecting liquid that remains in the roller cover.

Abstract: A method for cleaning items to be cleaned is disclosed. A cleaning device is used that has at least one cleaning chamber and at least one applicator for applying at least one cleaning fluid to the items to be cleaned in the cleaning chamber. A desired hygiene value is prespecified. The method further includes time-resolved recording of at least two influencing variables which influence hygienization of the items to be cleaned. Hygiene share values are determined from the influencing variables using a prespecified relationship between each influencing variable and the respective hygiene value share of said influencing variable. An expected actual hygiene value at the end of the cleaning from the hygiene value shares is ascertained and compared with the desired hygiene value. At least one of the influencing variables is changed based on the comparison. An inventive cleaning device is also disclosed.

Abstract: A dishwasher is provided in which tableware is capable of being washed with washing water of a high pressure by preventing the pressure of the washing water from dropping. The dishwasher includes a main body in which a washing tub is formed, a sump provided in the main body and storing washing water, a plurality of injection nozzles to inject the washing water into the washing tub, a plurality of flow passages respectively connected to the plurality of injection nozzles, and a distribution apparatus configured to selectively open and close the plurality of flow passages and communicate with the plurality of flow passages, respectively, and including rotary member having a plurality of independent connection passages and a case in which the rotary member is accommodated.

Abstract: A dishwasher having a tub at least partially defining a treating chamber, a chassis supporting the tub and defining a space below the tub, a terminal box located within the space and having at least one enclosure wall defining an interior, and a wire connection box located within the interior wherein the wire connection box includes a housing and multiple terminals inset within the housing and wherein the wire connection box is configured to receive an electrical connection for the dishwasher coupled to an electrical mains power line.

Abstract: A dishwashing appliance includes a tub defining a wash chamber. An inlet is defined in the tub and provides air flow into the wash chamber. A diverter disk is proximate the inlet and upstream of the wash chamber. The diverter disk is rotatable between a first position and a second position. The diverter disk permits air flow into the wash chamber via the inlet in a first direction when the diverter disk is in the first position and in a second direction when the diverter disk is in the second position.

Abstract: A surgical instrument navigation system is provided that visually simulates a virtual volumetric scene of a body cavity of a patient from a point of view of a surgical instrument residing in the cavity of the patient. The surgical instrument navigation system includes: a surgical instrument; an imaging device which is operable to capture scan data representative of an internal region of interest within a given patient; a tracking subsystem that employs electro-magnetic sensing to capture in real-time position data indicative of the position of the surgical instrument; a data processor which is operable to render a volumetric, perspective image of the internal region of interest from a point of view of the surgical instrument; and a display which is operable to display the volumetric perspective image of the patient.

Abstract: A support bracket for a portable monitor including a longitudinal frame, first and second actuators accessible through first and second openings of the longitudinal frame, first and second latches extending through at least one opening of the longitudinal frame and biased from a second to a first position, wherein force applied to the actuators translates the latches from the first to the second position. A hanger is connected to the longitudinal frame and a cradle sized and shaped to receive the portable monitor is supported from the hanger.

Abstract: A magnetic coupling is provided having two rings that are arranged concentrically in relation to one another, which are each mounted to be rotatable in relation to one another. An arrangement of at least three magnetic dipoles is respectively arranged on both rings, the magnetic dipoles facilitating magnetic coupling of the rings and a transmission of torque from a driving ring to a driven ring of the two rings. The magnetic dipoles of the arrangements at the driven ring and/or at the driving ring is/are aligned such that two like magnetic poles, which adjoin one another on the respective other ring, are always followed by an unlike magnetic pole, and the magnetic poles adjoining one another at the respective other ring are arranged in a manner corresponding to one another such that the two rings are magnetically coupled in an equilibrium position.

Abstract: An endoscope apparatus includes an endoscope including an observation optical system including a lens drive mechanism and a video processor connected to the endoscope, and the endoscope apparatus includes a voice coil motor provided in the endoscope and configured to drive a lens relating to the lens drive mechanism and a position detecting apparatus provided in the endoscope and configured to detect a position of the lens. The video processor is configured to determine whether or not the position detecting apparatus is in a heat generating state, and halt actuation of the position detecting apparatus if the video processor determines that the position detecting apparatus is in the heat generating state.

Abstract: A three-dimensional endoscope system includes: an imaging unit configured to capture a first image and a second image having parallax with respect to each other; and an image generation unit configured to generate a display image for stereoscopic viewing by performing image processing on the first image and the second image captured by the imaging unit, wherein the image generation unit generates the display image based on the first image and a third image obtained by replacing a part of the second image with a part of the first image at a corresponding position.

Abstract: An endoscope having a proximal end, a distal end, a handle, and an insertion tube that terminates in a tip section. The tip section includes a bending section and an articulated tip part, and the bending section includes articulated segments, each articulated segment including a guide passage for a control member. The proximal end of the elongated control member is attached to an operating member arranged at the handle and the distal end of the elongated control member is attached to the most distal articulated segment of the bending section. An intermediate section of the elongated control member passes through said guide passages. The intermediate section has a reduced overall cross-sectional area as compared to the majority of said elongated control member.

Abstract: In some embodiments, an insertion device for a single port robotic surgery apparatus includes a plurality of instrument channels positioned in an interior of a housing and extending along substantially an entire length of the housing, the plurality of instrument channels configured to removably house a plurality of surgical instruments, a plurality of openings in a rear exterior surface of the housing, the plurality of openings providing access to the plurality of instrument channels and configured to facilitate insertion of the plurality of surgical instruments into the plurality of instrument channels, and an illumination device supported at least partially at the rear exterior surface of the housing and positioned proximal to the plurality of openings, the illumination device configured to illuminate the openings to facilitate insertion of the plurality of instruments through the plurality of openings.

Abstract: Provided is an arthroscopic system including an disposable arthroscope having a distal end and a proximal end, and including a light source, a lens set, an image sensor, a transmitter, and a control interface. The arthroscopic system eliminates the possibility of infecting the patient with contaminated devices by its cost-effectively disposable arthroscope. Also provided is a method for image rotating in an arthroscopic system.

Abstract: A medical observation apparatus includes: a camera configured to capture an observation object to output an imaging signal; a support configured to movably support the camera; and controller circuitry configured to control, when a normal observation mode with white light is switched to a special-light observation mode with special light, the support such that the camera is moved to a position so as to obtain a working distance that is set for the special-light observation mode and that is shorter than a working distance in the normal observation mode.

Abstract: An endoscope includes an insertion portion that includes a distal end portion and a bending portion configured to change a direction of the distal end portion. The distal end portion includes a casing having a round shape in a cross-section, and an image pickup module that includes an optical module section including a plurality of optical members and an image pickup section, the image pickup module having a rectangular shape in a cross-section, and the image pickup section includes an image pickup device and a semiconductor stack in which a plurality of semiconductor devices is stacked, and entirety of the image pickup module is completely housed inside the casing.

Abstract: Embodiments of a hybrid imaging sensor that optimizes a pixel array area on a substrate using a stacking scheme for placement of related circuitry with minimal vertical interconnects between stacked substrates and associated features are disclosed. Embodiments of maximized pixel array size/die size (area optimization) are disclosed, and an optimized imaging sensor providing improved image quality, improved functionality, and improved form factors for specific applications common to the industry of digital imaging are also disclosed.

Abstract: An endoscope includes a hollow handle housing and an insertion tube including a tip part at the distal end of the endoscope. The tip part includes an illumination arrangement with an elongated single-piece light guide having a proximal light guide end and at least one distal light guide end, wherein the proximal light guide end is adapted for receiving at least one light fiber. The at least one distal light guide end has an end surface adapted for emitting the light from a light source. The cross-section of the proximal light guide end differs from the cross-section of the at least another part of the light guide.

Abstract: A dental caries diagnosis device comprising a light source which is configured to emit examination light (R) and a light receiving unit (4f) which is configured to receive the examination light (R) with which a tooth has been irradiated includes: a head-side casing (4a1) which is inserted into a mouth in a contactless manner with respect to a tooth or a gum and which projects the examination light (R) toward a tooth; and a filter (4e) which is disposed in front of the light receiving unit (4f) and which is configured to remove a noise component from the received light, wherein the light receiving unit (4f) is configured to receive the examination light (R) which has been transmitted through the tooth.

Abstract: Methods and devices for retracting tissue in a surgical procedure to allow access to the surgical site. Retractor systems and methods that comprise a retractor frame comprising rotatable arms and a linearly translatable arm, the rotatable arms and the linearly translatable arm each coupled to blades that can angulate.

Abstract: Provided is an ophthalmic measurement device with which it is possible to obtain an area in which a measurement can be taken without moving an optical system. With reference to an optical path length of an illumination optical system with which light is focused on the eyeground when the refraction value is 0 D, the positions of two light sources are set to achieve a setting in which the optical path length becomes slightly shorter. By doing so, it is possible to cope with measurement of refractive properties in a large area without employing structures that allow a lens system of the illumination optical system and the light sources thereof to be moved. In addition, by selecting one of the two light sources so that a clearer Hartmann image can be obtained, it is possible to further increase the precision of the refractive properties to be measured.

Abstract: A transceiver for interfacing with an analyte sensor. The transceiver may include an interface device and a notification device. The interface device may be configured to convey a power signal to the analyte sensor and to receive data signals from the analyte sensor. The notification device may be configured to generate one or more of a vibrational, aural, and visual signal based on one or more data signals received from the analyte sensor. The interface device of the transceiver may receive analyte data from the analyte sensor, and the transceiver may comprise a processor configured to calculate an analyte concentration value based on the received analyte data. The notification device may be configured to generate one or more of aural, visual, or vibrational alarm when the calculated analyte concentration value exceeds or falls below a threshold value.