Abstract: A hand-held or table-mounted tool for adhering a flooring edge finish to a flooring edge. The hand-held tool includes a main body, which can include a handle, a base, and a bi-level soleplate, which is heated during application to adhere a flooring edge finish to a flooring edge. The soleplate of the tool can be made of polymer, carbon, metal, ceramic, glass, or a mixture thereof.

Abstract: This invention relates to a washable multi-component magnetic floor mat with a hidden base component. The floor mat contains a textile component and a base component. The textile component and the base component are attached to one another by magnetic attraction. The magnetic attraction is provided by incorporation of magnetic particles in both the textile and base components. The textile component is designed to be soiled, washed, and re-used, thereby providing ideal end-use applications in areas such as building entryways. The present invention eliminates the need to wash the base component of the floor mat which results in environmental, cost and labor conservation. Alignment and deployment of the textile component with the base component in an efficient manner is also described herein.

Abstract: A package drop box includes a base, a cap, and a retention bracket. The base has an open top. The cap has an open bottom. In a first position, the cap is fitted over the base such that a bottom edge of the cap is proximate a bottom edge of the base. In the second position, the bottom edge of the cap is proximate a top edge of the base. The retention bracket is configured to secure to the base. The retention bracket is configured to extend up a back of the base from the surface supporting the package drop box, extend along the surface away from the back of the base, and extend vertically upward from the surface supporting the package drop box at a predetermined distance from the back of the base.

Abstract: A juice extractor includes a power assembly, a housing assembly, a snap-fitting assembly and a screw assembly; the power assembly includes an electric motor, an electric-motor housing and a rotation shaft, and the electric motor drives the rotation shaft to rotate; the screw assembly is connected to the rotation shaft, and is provided inside the housing assembly; the snap-fitting assembly connects the housing assembly to the power assembly; and the housing assembly includes a strainer assembly and a filtering-shield assembly, the strainer assembly is integrally formed by welding, the filtering-shield assembly is detachably fixed to and supported on the strainer assembly, and the filtering-shield assembly is provided with a filtered-juice separating slot that is capable of performing secondary filtration of an extracted juice. The present disclosure employs a novel structure, which has a good sealing performance, and a low manufacturing cost, and the mouthfeel of the extracted juice is better.

Abstract: A system and method for a process to prepare consumable food and/or drink products by means of precise heating and stirring for a set period of time. The system utilizes a variable rotation rate magnetic stirring process, a variable temperature heating process, and a timing process in order to prepare consumables. The magnetic stirrer provides agitation to a fluid medium and facilitates homogenous distribution of heat produced by the heating element throughout the fluid. This even distribution of heat creates an improved consumable preparation. The system is suitable for home use.

Abstract: The present application provides a sweet tea brewing device for brewing tea with hot water and adding sugar and dilution water. The sweet tea brewing device includes a tea basket for brewing the tea with the hot water, a sugar basket with the sugar downstream of the tea basket, a dilution line with the dilution water in communication with the sugar basket, and a tea urn downstream of the sugar basket. The tea from the tea basket and the dilution water from the dilution line dissolve the sugar in the sugar basket such that the combined tea, dissolved sugar, and dilution water flow to the tea urn.

Abstract: Refillable pod can be reused to brew a beverage with a single-serve brewer. The refillable pod has a funnel at about six O'clock position near the front of the cap to drain the beverage without substantially coming to contact the brewing mechanism. The refillable pod may have a handle which can be used by the user to insert the refillable pod into the brewer so that funnel can be positioned at about six O'clock position within the brewing mechanism.

Abstract: A coffee machine, preferably a fully automatic coffee machine, as well as a method for operating such coffee machine are provided. The coffee machine includes a coffee bean supplying unit comprising a plurality of coffee bean containers, a grinding unit comprising a single grinder, a selecting unit for selectively connecting one of the coffee bean containers to the grinder, a brewing unit comprising a single brewing chamber, and a dispensing unit. Thanks to the provision of a single grinder and of a single brewing chamber, the coffee machine has an extremely compact construction, while being capable of preparing a variety of different coffee-based drinks thanks to the provision of a plurality of coffee bean containers.

Abstract: A coffee bean feeder for feeding coffee beans coming from a coffee bean container to a coffee grinder and, more particularly, a coffee bean feeder for selectively feeding coffee beans coming from a coffee bean container among a plurality of coffee bean containers to a coffee grinder are provided. The coffee bean feeder has an inlet and an outlet, and a rotatable body provided with one or more dosing compartments. By rotating the body of the feeder about its longitudinal axis, a dosing compartment can be brought into alignment with the feeder inlet or with the feeder outlet or with neither of them. A selecting unit comprising one or more of such coffee bean feeders, as well as a coffee machine comprising the selecting unit, are also provided.

Abstract: A beverage-ingredient container to be used in the preparation of a beverage by a beverage dispensing apparatus. The container has a first optical code on the first surface of the container, wherein the first optical code is positioned on a first surface to be read by an optical scanner of the beverage dispensing apparatus when the container is received by the apparatus in a first orientation, and a second optical code on a second surface of the container, wherein the second optical code is positioned on the second surface to be read by the optical scanner of the beverage dispensing apparatus when the container is in a second orientation. The first optical code and the second optical code each stores container-related information including a container identifier which, when read by the optical scanner of the beverage dispensing apparatus, can be used by the beverage dispensing apparatus to control beverage preparation.

Abstract: A vent valve flow fuse includes a valve cap with a valve cap cavity defined by one or more valve cap interior surfaces. The vent valve flow fuse includes a valve body with a valve body cavity defined by one or more valve body interior surfaces. The vent valve flow fuse includes a poppet configured to at least partially fit within the valve cap cavity and the valve body cavity. The vent valve flow fuse includes a spring configured to fit within the valve body cavity and to generate a resistive force against the poppet. The poppet is in a first position when fluid having a first amount of fluid pressure enters the valve cap cavity from a vent valve and engages the poppet. The poppet is in a second position when fluid having a second amount of fluid pressure enters the valve cap cavity and engages the poppet.

Abstract: A cooking apparatus according to one embodiment includes a cooking chamber including a plurality of cooking regions, a plurality of heaters configured to heat at least one cooking region among the plurality of cooking regions, an inputter configured to receive a command related to cooking from a user, a display, and a controller configured to control the plurality of heaters and the display, wherein, while cooking is being performed in some cooking regions among the plurality of cooking regions, the controller may control the display to display other cooking regions in which additional cooking is performable.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a rotisserie grill. The rotisserie grill includes a rotisserie grill body (1), an electric controller, a spit rod (8), and a motor. The rotisserie grill body (1) defines a heating cavity (100) having an upper opening. The heating cavity (100) is provided with vertically arranged heating tubes (2) and reflecting plates (3) on both sides thereof. The rotisserie grill body (1) has air intake holes (18) at a bottom portion thereof, the air intake holes (18) leading into a cavity between vertical inner and outer plates of the rotisserie grill body (1). The spit rod (8) includes an inserting rod (80), a handle (81), and a positioning piece (82). The rotisserie grill body (1) is provided with a quick connector (18) at a front end, and a groove (16) at a rear end. A front end of the inserting rod is detachably connected to an output end of the motor via the quick connector (18). A rear end of the inserting rod is connected to the handle (81) and overlaps with the groove (16).

Abstract: In an embodiment, a grill system can include a grill assembly and a first side assembly. The grill assembly can include a grill cart and a burner box coupled to a top portion of the grill cart. The first side assembly can include a first side cart and a first panel. The first side cart is configured to be transitioned between a folded state and an upright state; wherein the grill assembly is coupled to the first side assembly. When the first panel is coupled to an outer side of the first side cart, the first side cart is locked into the upright state. Other embodiments are also included herein.

Abstract: A flexible cover body is configured to shield an outdoor cooking apparatus such as a gas grill, a charcoal grill, and a smoker. The flexible cover body includes a substrate, an inner silicone layer, and an outer silicone layer. The outer silicone layer is superimposed across the substrate as the outer silicone layer and the substrate are positioned coextensive with each other. The inner silicone layer is superimposed across the substrate, opposite of the outer silicone layer, as the inner silicone layer and the substrate is positioned coextensive with each other. Collectively the substrate, the inner silicone layer, and the outer silicone layer form a ultraviolet light resistance and waterproof cover that enable the user to immediately cover the grill or smoker without having to wait for the grill or smoker to cool down.

Abstract: In the toaster, the first switch is connected with the neutral wire terminal and the heating element; the second switch and the power-off protection switch are connected in series between the live wire terminal and the heating element; the output end of the rectifier circuit is respectively connected with the electromagnet and the timing control circuit; when the lifting plate moves from the ejected position to the working position, the first pressing part depresses the first switch to a closed state, the second pressing part depresses each of the second switch and the power-off protection switch to a closed state, the electromagnet is energized and attracts the attracting part, the heating element starts to work; when the electromagnet is disconnected from the timing control circuit, the attracting part is released, the lifting plate springs upward, the power-off protection switch changes to an opened state, and the heating element stops working.

Abstract: A coffee bean grinder includes a machine body and a burr grinder. The burr grinder is detachably mounted to the machine body, and includes an adjusting mechanism, and a grinding mechanism. The grinding mechanism is connected to the adjusting mechanism, and includes an inner burr that is rotatable about a grinding axis, and an outer burr that surrounds the inner burr, and that is rotatable about the grinding axis relative to the inner burr. The inner burr is movable by the adjusting mechanism along the grinding axis relative to the outer burr so as to adjust a space between the inner and outer burrs.

Abstract: A blending device having an interlock system which may comprise a plurality of subassemblies. A thermal detector may be configured to be proximity with matter being blended for human consumption. Interlock system may further include a blade interlock contact and a compressive contact. The blender vessel may be configured to compress the compressive contact to a communicative configuration when connected with the blade assembly. Interlock system may utilize a blender base assembly that has base interlock contacts and a motor. The blade assembly may be configured to releaseably mount to the blender base assembly and may cause the base interlock contact and the blade interlock contact to come into electrical communication with each other. The interlock system may ultimately result in the motor being obstructed from operation unless certain conditions are met. The interlock system may further utilize one or more than one logic circuit element.

Abstract: Disclosed is a cooking appliance including: a main body; a container detachably installed to an upper portion of the main body, and comprising a reservoir for accommodating an object to be processed and a handle portion protruding laterally from the reservoir; and an enclosure detachably installed to the upper portion of the main body to surround the reservoir, wherein the enclosure is formed in a dorm shape having an opened lower end and has a handle through hole extending from the opened lower end and formed in a part of a side surface of the enclosure, so that at least a part of the handle penetrates the handle through hole and is exposed to an outside in a state where the enclosure is installed to the main body with the container.

Abstract: An aerator mixing rod includes a body having a first and second opposite ends and an outer surface extending between the ends. The body defines a longitudinal axis extending through the ends. The aerator mixing rod also includes teeth extending radially outward from the outer surface, with a first row of teeth and a second row of teeth spaced from the first row along the longitudinal axis. A first passageway is formed between adjacent teeth of the first row, and a second passageway is formed between adjacent teeth of the second row. The first passageway is at least partially misaligned with the second passageway in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis such that the first passageway and the second passageway form a tortuous path for fluid flowing along the outer surface of the body. The aerator mixing rod is formed from an injection-moldable material by an injection molding process.

Abstract: A self-locking slider for a skewer. The self-locking slider has an engaged end and an opposing push end. The self-locking slider has spaced apart first and second plates to engage an engaged end of the skewer biasedly in a locked engagement, yet the first and second plates are movable to an unlocked engagement. The first plate defines a locking aperture at the engaged end for slidably receiving the skewer in a longitudinal direction and, separately, in a latitudinal direction between a locking end and an unlocking end of the locking aperture. The second plate at the engaged end and the push end provide aligned skewer passageways, respectively, for slidably receiving the skewer in the longitudinal direction. The first and second plates are movable toward each other to the unlocked engagement enabling the self-locking slider to slide along a length of a skewer by way of the skewer passageways.

Abstract: A touch free, spice dispenser is provided including a container for holding spices, a holder for supporting the container on an external support, a grinding mechanism and a sensor for activating the grinding mechanism in response to the presence of an object. The container has an open end and a closed end. The holder includes an end cap for support of the container, a hook for engagement with a support member and a strap extending between the hook and the end cap. The grinding mechanism is positioned in the end cap of the holder and is in electrical communication with a contact pad located on the hook. The grinding mechanism includes a grinder plate and a motor to rotate the grinder plate in response to a signal received from the sensor. Holes in the grinder plate and apertures in the end cap allow for passage of the spices out of the dispenser. A support assembly is also provided for supporting the dispenser above a food item.

Abstract: A portable, autonomous hand-washing station for use on a store floor. The portable station includes a cabinet supporting a sink and faucet, and housing one or more liquid storage tanks; and a removable control box.

Abstract: A foldable bath tub includes a base, a rim, and a basin wall disposed between and interconnecting the base and the rim. The bottom wall has an upwardly extending crotch support. The basin wall includes at least one crease. The basin wall is configured to be positioned in one of a folded condition in which the basin wall is folded into itself at the at least one crease an extended condition in which the basin wall is configured to receive an associated child. Where in the extended condition of the basin wall a distance from the base to the at least one crease increases along a length direction of the bath tub from a first end of the bath tub to a second end of the bath tub.

Abstract: An illustrated view of an exemplary mini bidet for providing hygiene care for a person is presented. The bidet is useful enabling a person to cleanse private areas of their body after using the bathroom. The bidet provides a discreet way to enhance personal hygiene in an easy to hold, use and store container. The bidet is further versatile for males and females alike whether at home, away from home, in hospitals, camping, etc. The bidet further is an accessory providing a discreet way to enhance personal hygiene and is used for washing the genitalia area of the body and designed to fit in the palm of a hand while also being collapsible cylindrical body with a fastener, ring and spouted hole. The bidet is easy to hold, use, clean, disassemble and store. is also easy to clean. The bidet affords peace of mind while being lightweight, compact, portable, convenient and portable. The bidet is comfortable to the touch, effective and low cost.

Abstract: An improved showerhead assembly is provided for facilitating the application of soap or shampoo upon a bather. The showerhead assembly is preferably handheld and includes an elongate handle, and a showerhead including a face having one or more nozzles for spraying water. In addition, the showerhead assembly includes a detachable reservoir for storing soap or shampoo. Preferably, the reservoir is detachable from the showerhead by a threaded coupling in which the reservoir includes male threads which can be capped. Preferably, the showerhead assembly includes a controller for allowing one to selectively dispense shampoo or soap from within the reservoir into the stream of water which is ejected from the showerhead nozzles.

Abstract: An exemplary touch-free soap, sanitizer or lotion dispenser includes a housing, a movable cover, a processor, memory, a refill receptacle for receiving a refill container of fluid, and a variable output control card receptacle. The variable output control card receptacle is located proximate the refill receptacle such that when a refill unit is inserted in the refill receptacle, a variable output control card cannot be inserted or removed from the variable output control card receptacle. The dispenser further includes a reader for placing the processor in circuit communication with a variable output control card and in circuit communication with a refill unit data tag. In addition, the dispenser includes a sensor for sensing an object, a variable output control card and a removable and replaceable refill unit. The data tag is secured to the refill unit and the VOC card includes data on the variable output control card for setting the dispenser output volume.

Abstract: The present invention describes an integral body dryer that includes a diffuser and a protective cover attached to an upper end of a support column, wherein the diffuser contains a turbine, an electrical resistor and a pipe with a nozzle for the outlet of air, and the column comprises a rail for sliding the diffuser, the diffuser being able to move along the length of the column in a manner selected from electrical or manual, to blow air along the column and thus dry a user

Abstract: The present invention includes a human waste collection device system, comprising of a tubular element and a flexile element. The tubular element has a first end defining a first opening and a second end defining a second opening, as well as being constructed of a rigid outside layer and a soft inside layer, which also provide a soft edge at the first opening. A flexile element including an open end and a sealed end. The flexile element is positioned within the tubular element such that the open end is positioned about the first opening and folded over the soft edge, while the sealed end extends from the second opening for collection of bodily human waste. Systems and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: A folding toilet step stool includes a seat cushion ring and an elevated ladder. The elevated ladder includes a left support rod, a right support rod, a bottom plate and a pedal. The front portion of the seat cushion ring is hinged to the upper portion of the left support rod and the upper portion of the right support rod. The bottom of the left support rod and the bottom of the right support rod are hinged to the bottom plate. The pedal is hinged between the middle of the left support rod and the middle of the right support rod. The left support rod and the right rod are disposed obliquely. The bottom plate is placed on the floor and the seat cushion ring is placed on the toilet, so that children can sit on the seat cushion ring with their feet on the pedal for urination or defecation.

Abstract: An auto cleaning toilet seat assembly with a cover coupled to a toilet seat and defining a fluid transport conduit surrounding the toilet seat. The cover also includes an air deflector formed as part of the upper wall and at the front end of the cover, wherein the air deflector includes two opposing surfaces converging together away from the inner surface of the outer sidewall. The assembly is operably to emit a liquid on a rear portion of a toilet seat and induce a gas to transport that liquid from the rear of the toilet seat to the front of the toilet, whereby the air deflector directs the liquid and air through the fluid transport conduit and into a toilet bowl utilizing the two opposing surfaces of the air deflector.

Abstract: A handwashing playground integrates handwash stations with an interactive, themed play attraction, such as a farm, and includes farm-themed playground with animals and a barn. The animals and farm implements replace faucets and sinks to provide an interactive and entertaining experience, thereby encouraging handwashing and other good personal hygiene behavior.

Abstract: A robotic device is equipped with four suction cup units, Y-axis actuators and X-axis actuators. As for the planar shape of each suction cup, it has a shape of each quadrangle when a roughly square was divided into four quadrangles of the same shape. The quadrangles are formed provided with two right-angle portions in a diagonal portion. One right angle of the two right-angle portions of each suction cup overlaps with one of the four right angles of the square. Two of the sides that constitute the above right angle of the suction cup overlap with two of the edges that constitute the above right angle of the square. One of the sides that constitute another right angle of the suction cup intersects to an acute angle in one side of the right angle of the square, and another side intersects to an obtuse angle in another side of the right angle of the square.

Abstract: A rotor assembly is provided and includes a rotor, tongs and an actuation system. The rotor includes a shaft defining a rotational axis about which the rotor is rotatable and rotor elements supported on the shaft to define grooves. The tongs are disposed in the grooves to occupy and move between first and second positions. At the first positions, the tongs are retracted from the grooves. At the second positions, the tongs are engaged in the grooves to disentangle fibers from the rotor. The actuation system is configured to bias the tongs toward the first positions and is actuatable to drive the tongs into the second positions.

Abstract: A blade cleaning device for cleaning fan blades includes a funnel, which has a top that is rectangularly shaped and circumferentially larger than a bottom thereof. A conduit, which is engaged to and extends from the bottom of the funnel, is engageable to a hose extending from a vacuum cleaner. A frame is engaged to and extends circumferentially around the top of the funnel. Opposed ends of the frame are dimensionally taller than its opposed sides, defining a recess into which of a cross-sectional portion of a blade can be inserted. The opposed ends are positioned proximate to opposed edges of the blade preventing rotation. A brush element engaged to the frame extends into the recess. The brush element dislodges debris from the blade as the frame is motivated longitudinally along the blade. The funnel directs the debris to the conduit for collection in the vacuum cleaner.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a method for operating a system that includes at least one suction device and at least one hand-held power tool. The method includes establishing a communications link between the suction device and the hand-held power tool by means of at least one suction device communication unit and at least one hand-held power tool communication unit, and transmitting at least one communication signal by means of the communications link from the hand-held power tool, in particular the hand-held power tool communication unit, to the suction device, in particular the suction device communication unit. When the suction device is switched on, at least one start signal is sent to the hand-held power tool, the hand-held power tool being activatable only if the start signal is received by the hand-held power tool.

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: The invention relates to an improved system, device and method for optimized, high volume cleaning of pans, related brush modules, and methods of operating and processing same A pan cleaning system having one or more modular swing arms for cleaning a flow of pans is provided. The system having a frame with a mounting point for each of the modular swing arms and the swing arm pivots about a pivoting element freely motivated by a swing arm actuator and controlled with a swing arm limiter coupled to one or more controllers. The modular swing arm is positioned by the one or more controllers by activating the swing arm actuator to position and to engage a dirty pan from the flow of pans at a pressure range exerted by the actuator and limited by the swing arm limiter such that the pan is cleaned.

Abstract: A dishwasher includes: a tub defining a washing space, a sump disposed at a lower portion of the washing space and configured receive water, a plurality of nozzles disposed at the washing space and configured to spray the water received in the sump toward an object in an upward direction, and a wash water guide configured to supply the water in the sump to each of the plurality of nozzles and disposed at the washing space. The wash water guide includes a main wash water guide, a plurality of sub wash water guides respectively branched from the main wash water guide, and a plurality of connection parts connecting the main wash water guide to the plurality of sub wash water guides, and an angle between at least one connection part of the plurality of connection parts and the main wash water guide is an acute angle.

Abstract: A dishwasher is disclosed. When the dishwasher performs a drying process, the dishwasher increases a temperature of a washing space before air inside the washing space is discharged, thereby maintaining the temperature of the washing space at an appropriate drying temperature and increasing efficiency of the drying process.

Abstract: The present invention is a drinking straw washing machine with a washing region, a sanitizing region, a straw retaining track, and a motor assembly. The washing region comprises a washing cogwheel rotatably positioned therein that receives straws via the straw retaining track. The washing cogwheel and sanitizing cogwheel are oriented parallel to the straw retaining track. The motor assembly is mechanically coupled to the washing cogwheel and thereby rotates the washing cogwheel to guide straws along the straw retaining track and through a cleaning solution included in the wash region. the sanitizing region comprises a sanitizing cogwheel rotatably positioned therein that receive straws from the washing region via the straw retaining track. The motor assembly is mechanically coupled to the sanitizing cogwheel and thereby rotates the sanitizing cogwheel to guide straws along the straw retaining track, through a sanitizing solution in the sanitizing region, and out of the sanitizing region.

Abstract: One embodiment of a palm-held device for cleaning field debris off the underside of athletic shoes which have cleats or spikes, comprises a handle (10) connected via a neck (12) to a cleaning platform (14) below. There is a plurality of cleaning pegs (18) protruding orthogonally from the base (16) of the cleaning platform (14). Additional cleaning elements that may extend outward from the cleaning platform (14) include a straight scraper (20) and a serrated scraper (22). The device may be fabricated from a variety of materials, with the preferred materials being fairly-high strength engineering polymeric materials, with or without fiber reinforced composites. The device may be made fabricated by injection molding and could be done as one piece or multiple pieces that were then fused together. It may also be fabricated using additive manufacturing. Other embodiments are described.

Abstract: Provided is, for example, a cleaner sheet including: a cleaning surface that is configured to be brought into sliding contact with a surface of an object to be cleaned. The cleaning surface has unevenness, and includes projections respectively having distal ends configured to be in sliding contact with the object to be cleaned when in use. The projections are constituted by a member formed to have the projections arranged at intervals from each other in a plane direction of the cleaning surface. The member has a hardness of 0.4 MPa or more measured by a nano-indentation method. The cleaning surface further includes adhesive recesses that have higher adhesive force than that of the member and are exposed on the cleaning surface.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described herein that improve control of a shapeable or steerable instrument using shape data. Additional methods include preparing a robotic medical system for use with a shapeable instrument and controlling advancement of a shapeable medical device within an anatomic path. Also described herein are methods for altering a data model of an anatomical region.

Abstract: A steerable elongated functional system, such as a catheter or an endoscope, for internally investigating a pipe, a duct or a tube. Especially, an elongated functional system configured to be advanced in the lumen of a pipe, a duct or a tube. The system includes an elongated flexible body, at least one of a first and a second actuator, each being arranged in or on the elongated flexible body, having proximal and distal extremities, and being connectable to an energy source and configured to convey or transform energy to the elongated flexible body to cause a reversible curvature of the elongated flexible body. The elongated body includes an overlapping region where at least the proximal extremity of the first actuator overlaps with at least the distal extremity of the second actuator, and the first and second actuators are mechanically independent from one another and longitudinally offset from one another.

Abstract: To achieve an accurate bending operation in a specific direction on a joystick-type bending lever, an endoscope includes: a bending operation mechanism including a bending lever configured to be tilted in all directions including a first direction, a second direction, a third direction, and a fourth direction corresponding to bending directions in up, down, left, and right directions, respectively, of a bending portion; a long hole provided in the bending operation mechanism, and an engagement pin provided on an operation portion and configured to engage with the long hole. The engagement pin is guided into the long hole and the bending operation mechanism is supported such that the bending operation mechanism is movable relative to the operation portion.

Abstract: An endoscope can include an elongated shaft that includes a distal tip and a displaceable distal region. The endoscope can further include a handle coupled to the elongated shaft and an actuator movable relative to the handle. The endoscope can further include at least one tensioning line extending through at least a proximal portion of the elongated shaft and through a portion of the handle, and the at least one tensioning line can be coupled to the displaceable distal region of the shaft and also can be coupled to the actuator such that movement of the actuator relative to the handle effects angular movement of the displaceable distal region. The endoscope can further include a locking mechanism that prevents angular movement of the displaceable distal region when the locking mechanism is engaged.

Abstract: An endoscope includes: an insertion portion including a bending portion; a lever configured to be capable of, by being tilted, pulling a bending operation wire that bends the bending portion; and a bending operation mechanism including a play part configured to, when the lever is tilted in a predetermined direction, maintain the bending portion in a state of not bending, up to a predetermined tilting amount. The bending operation mechanism includes a sub-rotation pivot provided at a position that is away in an axial direction of the lever from tilting supports of the lever in the respective tilting directions and configured to tilt the lever in a predetermined direction, and a stopper configured to, when the lever is rotated by a predetermined angle via rotation of the sub-rotation pivot, stop the rotation of the sub-rotation pivot through abutment with the lever.

Abstract: The present invention provides a detection packaging structure and an in-vivo detection apparatus that are based on a flexible tube. A detection circuit board and a main circuit board that are perpendicular to each other are used, a first conducting material is disposed on a first side surface of the detection circuit board, a second conducting material capable of being conducted to the first conducting material is disposed on a second side surface, and when a detection component is connected to the first side surface of the detection circuit board, a wiring terminal of the detection component is capable of being welded to the first conducting material. In this way, based on the present invention, difficulty of welding operations is reduced, welding strength and reliability are enhanced, and welding stability in a plurality of motion statuses is satisfied.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a capsule-type endoscope assembly which can be assembled or disassembled in a digestive organ of an examinee, and a capsule-type endoscope system using same. A capsule-type endoscope of the present invention can be actively operated by application of an external magnetic field. In addition, according to the present invention, after an examinee has separately swallowed various diagnosis and treatment devices modularized according to a purpose of diagnosis and treatment, the diagnosis and treatment devices can be assembled in a digestive organ of the examinee. Therefore, a function of a capsule-type endoscope can be extended to various diagnosis and treatment areas conventionally covered by a conventional general endoscope.